Promoting Patent Claim Clarity
Solutions to the Software Patent Problem, Santa Clara Law Conference – November 16, 2012 (Forthcoming)
3 Pages Posted: 7 Nov 2012
Date Written: November 1, 2012
Abstract
Fuzzy patent claim boundaries undermine the functioning of the patent system by making it difficult for inventors and competitors to assess freedom to operate in many technology marketplaces, especially those relating to computer software and business methods. This commentary advocates the use of a detailed, electronic, claim application form to address this problem. By placing greater responsibility on patent applicants to delineate the precise boundaries of their claims -- by, for example, specifically indicating whether they intend to invoke the means-plus-function claim format by checking a box -- patent examiners could more easily evaluate what is being claimed, competitors could more easily know contested intellectual territory, and courts could more easily construe patent claims.
Keywords: patents, software patents, business method patents, claims
JEL Classification: K11, K19
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?
Recommended Papers
-
Notice Failure and Notice Externalities
By Peter S. Menell and Michael J. Meurer