The Most Important Aspects of the New Patent Rules Supporting the U S P T O ’s 21st Century Strategic Plan That Come Into Effective in November 2004

I. Introduction
The USPTO has a long range plan, its 21st Century Strategic Plan intended to transform the USPTO into a responsive efficient organization. As part of that plan, the USPTO published a set of final rules changes to the rules of patent practice in 37 CFR. The following lists the three most [...]

Do Accounting Rules Discourage Research & Development?

Businesses spend billions of dollars trying to develop new and better products, These outlays are referred to as research and development (R & D) costs. Accounting rule makers have struggled with how best to classify such expenditures. Should they be treated as expenses or assets? The classification of an outlay as an expense [...]

Troubling Changes To Patent Rules

On January 3, 2006 the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Patent Office) proposed changes to the current patent filing procedures that will dramatically change the process inventors and small businesses use to seek patent protection. The proposed changes also limit inventors’ ability to protect their inventions. The public may submit their feedback [...]

The Patent Office Proposes New Rules That Could Increase Burden On Patent Applicant

Chemical and pharmaceutical companies protect their huge investment in research and development and the future of the companies by securing patents on their inventions. Success or failure of the company often depends on the strength of the patent in its ability to resist competition.
Recently, the United States Patent and Trademark Office proposed changes [...]