04Oct
Patent Protection for Games: Rules vs Components
Patent Protection For Games
Inventors often wonder if it is possible to obtain patent protection for games, such as a card game or board game. Patent Office policy holds that “games defined as a set of rules” are not eligible for patent protection. In other words, a method claim that defines nothing more than the rules of a game without requiring anything tangible will likely be deemed unpatentable. However, unlike the mere rules of a game, the physical components used to play the game may provide a basis for obtaining patent protection. For example, the game pieces, the game board, or...
02Oct
Patent vs. Licensing: 3 Essential Steps to Smart Decision Making
Patent vs. Licensing – Order of Importance
This is a fair – and frequently asked – question, but one that only each person can answer for themselves. It's tempting to think that there is a right way and a wrong way to do this, but the reality is, a lot depends on your product, the protections you have in place, and whether or not there is a market for what you've invented. Don't let the time factor influence you—getting your product to market, and protecting it, are things that are worth your time and attention.“Patent-Pending” Protects
Your invention is under protection for...
30Sep
Making Your Invention Licensable: 3 Proven Benchmarks for Success
Three Things That, Together, Make Your Invention Licensable
Even if an inventor is the creative type who puts in long hours and figures out ways around obstacles simply for the joy of doing so—they still may wish to make money from their invention. For some, in fact, that is the main goal; invent something that people want to buy, and become very rich by licensing it and putting it on the market. This happens, no doubt about it, which is one reason those who've not yet been successful at this keep striving. Keep in mind, though, that not every invention will even...
25Sep
Develop a Website: 4 Powerful Steps to Boost Your Invention
Keys to Creating a Successful Develop a Website Your website is only one arm of your entire web presence, or should be—but it is a very important one. Success, however, means different things to different people. For some, a successful website is one that is well-trafficked, and that brings in ad and other revenue. For other, it's one that gains a reputation as “the” place to go for information, conversation, or brilliant commentary. Before you decide how to organize your website, first decide what “success” means to you.
The First Impression Develop a Website
The first thing that most visitors see of any...
23Sep
Secure Your Innovations with Software Patents: 5 Key Insights
Software Patents - The Fundamentals
Not everyone even agrees with the idea of software patents, but the fact remains that they exist. And, if you are a software coder/inventor, you may wish to get one. Remember your patent attorney or guide is the best source of specific information, but there are a few basics to keep in mind when considering a software patent.Patent Searches
Before any patent can be registered, a thorough patent search must be done. This is still the case with software patents, though it may require even more specialized searching to make sure that there is no prior art...
17Sep
Fair Use in Copyright Law: Avoid Costly Mistakes
What is “Fair Use” in Copyright Law?
It can sometimes feel like a fine line between admiring and sharing someone's work, and violating their copyright. Finding the right mix is even more important in the Internet age, when copying someone's work is a simple matter of a point and a click. When you consider the fact that much of online conversation consists of sharing what someone has said, and responding to it or commenting on it, there is even more potential for confusion. A basic understanding of Fair Use in copyright may be helpful in clearing up a little of...
11Sep
Master Your Patent Application Strategy: 3 Proven Approaches
How Original Should Your Patent Application Strategy Be?
There are endless discussions to be had about the fairness or viability of patents, but the fact remains that, in many cases, an aggressive patent strategy is good for success. And innovation. At least, some of the most successful and innovative companies in current times have found this so: Apple is just one case in point. So, if you are a small business or an individual inventor, can the strategic and marketing lessons of one of the largest and most successful companies apply to you? A better question may be... why wouldn't they?Once...
09Sep
