Date Topic
December 15 Topic: Favorite top ten patents: Weirdly patentable
December 08 Topic: Nondisclosure Agreements: Are they worth the paper they're written on?
December  01 Topic: Litigation and Infringement
November 17 Topic: Licensing/Assignments
November 10 Topic: Trademarks: "You've Got Questions. We've Got Answers
November 03 Topic: Money Money Money
September 29 Topic: Utility vs. Design patent, what is right for me?

Episode Description:
Depending on the merits and contents of the invention, a utility patent application or a design application will be recommended. Utility patent applications are for inventions such as devices, products, compounds, and methods of making or using something. Design patent applications are for products needing protection for unique designs (aesthetic appearances).
Also, will discuss the "Provisional Patent Application": What is it really and what does it protect. Inventors need to be aware that marketing companies and others may deceive inventors into thinking that the inventor is getting a full fledged utility patent application when it is only a provisional patent application. Will introduce the international patent application which is the PCT (patent cooperation treaty) application.
October 6 Topic: The United States Patent and Trademark Office: What do they do?

Guest: United States Patent and Trademark Office guest

Episode Description:
Focusing on the patent side, this episode will explain what and how the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does from application filing to allowance and issue of the application. We'll discuss how applications are filed, How inventions are classified, and the roles of various Patent Office examiners. We'll go over the examination of patent applications, and after an application is allowed discuss its issuance and publication, and if necessary appealing within the USPTO. Finally, we'll go over patent interference, or what if two or more parties argue over inventorship.
October 13 Topic: Examination: What does the patent examiner do

Guest: A patent examiner

Episode Description: Examination of the application:
Generally, first come first served (examined). Determine whether the invention contains something eligible for a patent. Then, search prior art which comprises published patents and applications and other literature (books, articles, etc.) to see if the invention is already known. If examiner finds something, issue Office action citing the prior art. The invention must not only be novel but also non-obvious. Applicants can reply to the Office action and argue with the Examiner. If applicant persuades the examiner, the application is allowed. If still rejected, then can appeal within the USPTO.
October 20 Topic: The Office Action and the Waiting period

Episode Description:
After the patent application is filed, it is examined. If not deemed allowable, then the patent examiner issues an Office action. Will explain the common reasons that patent applications are rejected. If rejected, what can the inventor and attorney do: file a response. In responding, set forth arguments why the examiner is mistaken. Also, in responding can make changes to the application, particularly the claims.
October 27 Topic: Money and costs

Episode Description:
Preparing and filing a patent application is a complicated process. The typical utility patent application involves researching the invention and background. This is done so that the application is set up to show why the invention is novel and/or an improvement over what is already known. The patent drawings need to be prepared by a professional draftsman to the specifications set forth by the inventor and patent attorney. Describe each aspect of the invention in detail. Each part of the invention should be addressed and described in the written description of the invention. This can be a lengthy process depending on how many parts your invention utilizes and how. Finally, the most important part of your invention is the claim section where the invention is staking out its boundaries. All this takes many, many hours.