Patents Procedure

The Patents Procedure describes the documentation process of an original idea or invention. All ideas, inventions, or processes developed in the engineering department that are unique, valuable, and deemed to be patentable will be properly documented and evaluated to ensure obtaining the protection of a legal patent.

The Patents Procedure applies specifically to employees in the Engineering Department but may apply to any other employee who develops an original idea while performing their duties for the company. (4 pages, 1,011 words)

Patents Procedure Definitions:

Utility Patent – A patent for mechanical, electrical, or chemical inventions covering processes, machines, article of manufacture or compositions of matter, as well as improvements of the same.

Design Patent – A patent that protects the aesthetic or ornamental external appearance of articles of manufacture. This is generally less valuable than a utility patent for protecting ideas and devices.

Patents Procedure Activities

• Qualifying Ideas or Designs
• Documenting the Development of an Idea or Invention
• Patent Application

Patents Procedure References

• Statutory/regulatory requirements – Statutes and regulations governing patents may vary by country, state, and municipality. The company must be aware of – and comply with – applicable laws in all locations in which it conducts its business. Examples of patent law include:

• U.S. Code, Title 35 – Patents;
• Japan Patent Law (amended, 2003);
• European Patent Convention, Article 52 – Patentable Inventions; and
• India – Patents (Amendment) Act and Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2005.