The short answer is no, but yes. This post explains why and illuminates how software, apps and computer-related products can be protected by patents. Asking and Answering the Right Question When people ask “is software patentable?,” they are typically an inventor or developer of a product that runs on software, and they want to know if they […]
Author: Dylan O. Adams
“Is it safe to use LegalZoom to file a patent application?”
This post gives an overview of LegalZoom’s patent-related services and shows you why it’s NOT a great idea to use LegalZoom to file a patent application. An Overview of LegalZoom Patent Services LegalZoom offers provisional and non-provisional utility patent applications, starting at $199 and $2,400 respectively, plus government filing fees. For the provisional application, LegalZoom says that […]
Sucking a toilet can save your life!
Top 3 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs
As a patent attorney, my practice focuses on tech startups and I regularly work with both successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs. In my experience, the three main skills, traits, talents, or mindsets that are common to successful entrepreneurs are: (1) a strong understanding of the market; (2) an ability to sell the product and business; and […]
No time to pet your dog? You need the auto-petter!
Patent on Exercising Cat With A Laser
Be careful the next time you are playing with your cat – you might be infringing the “method of inducing aerobic exercise in an unrestrained cat” protected by U.S. patent 5,443,036. The patented method comprises two steps: “(a) directing an intense coherent beam of invisible light produced by a hand-held laser apparatus to produce a […]
Amazing robots from Boston Dynamics
For those of you who love robots, this is as good as it gets. These four-legged robots walk like a horse and can easily navigate hills, stairs and rough terrain. What makes these robots special is that they are capable of navigating to destinations on their own autonomously or by following a human companion – no […]
Wrist Watch for Dogs (#CrazyPatents)
Let’s face it – dogs are terrible at keeping track of time. While it’s true that dogs staunchly believe in being fashionably late, typically the issue is simply that dogs don’t have access to clocks while out and about. Unfortunately, having access to human clocks is not enough. As we all know, dogs live in “dog years,” […]
Top Three Patent Myths
1) You need a prototype before filing a patent application Untrue! The only requirement is that the invention is describable in sufficient detail such that an average person in the field would be able to make and use it. Also, the requirement is not that the inventor be able to sufficiently describe the invention, and in many […]
Don’t have a baby the old fashioned way. Spin it out! (#CrazyPatents)
Hey, ladies! You’ve been having babies the wrong way since the beginning of time. Luckily, there is some hope for you. Back in 1965, George and Charlotte Blonsky invented a new way of childbirth that was the subject of U.S. patent 3,216,423, and here is how it works. The Blonsky Baby-Spinner Birthing Method: 1) You get strapped down […]