Thoth Technology of Ontario, Canada recently secured a patent for a space elevator. The device would extend 12 miles above the earth’s surface, allowing materials to be transported to and from space. The company estimates that an elevator of this nature could save more than 30 percent of the fuel of a conventional rocket. CLICKContinue reading “Canadian Company Secures Patent for Space Elevator”
Category Archives: Patent
Is a 3D Printed Organ a “Human Organism” under Patent Law?
As 3D printing technology improves, the potential for printing human organs is becoming a reality… but are human tissues and organs patentable under the law? The America Invents Act (AIA) clearly prohibits the patenting of any claim “directed to or encompassing a human organism.” The question becomes whether a 3D printing of tissues and/or organsContinue reading “Is a 3D Printed Organ a “Human Organism” under Patent Law?”
Newly Patented Devices Use Heat and Ionized Air to Protect Against Shock Waves
A newly patented devices suggest the use of heat and ionized air to protect troops against the shock waves generated by explosions. The patent suggests placement of arc generators on the exterior of vehicles along with a sensor to detect an inbound sock wave. The generators would create a large arc of electricity to heatContinue reading “Newly Patented Devices Use Heat and Ionized Air to Protect Against Shock Waves”
Alice, Bilski, and the Growing Resistance in Securing Computer Related Patents
In June, the Supreme Court heard the case Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International. In this case CLS challenged a number of Alice’s patents claiming that the patents protected ineligible subject matter. The patents in question performed escrow calculations using a computer. CLS contended that the use of the computer was not sufficient to supportContinue reading “Alice, Bilski, and the Growing Resistance in Securing Computer Related Patents”
Swedish Inventors Develop Inflatable Bike Helmet
A pair of Swedish designers have recently developed an inflatable helmet. The helmet is worn around the neck like a travel pillow allowing bikers to benefit from unimpeded sight and sound. The device senses the biker’s movement and an inflatable helmet deploys when necessary, covering the head and neck of the rider with a fullyContinue reading “Swedish Inventors Develop Inflatable Bike Helmet”
Supreme Court Holds Synthetic DNA Patentable
In June the US Supreme Court held in Association for Molecular Pathology, et al. v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., that isolated segments of naturally occurring DNA are not eligible for patent. Although human intervention is required to isolate naturally occurring DNA, that DNA segment is still naturally occurring and therefore ineligible for protection under US patentContinue reading “Supreme Court Holds Synthetic DNA Patentable”
Use of Second Generation Seed Constitutes Patent Infringement
A farmer who legally purchased patented seeds from Monsanto was recently sued for replanting second generation seeds without permission (Monsanto v. Bowman). Generally the purchaser of a patented item may use and resell that item; however, a purchaser is not permitted to make additional copies of that item. Although the second generation of seeds wasContinue reading “Use of Second Generation Seed Constitutes Patent Infringement”
The Trouble with Patent Trolls
A growing number of companies are amassing enormous IP portfolios, often purchasing patents from underfunded inventors. Those in the warehouse patent business generally have no intention of bringing these inventions to market; they profit through licensing and litigation. Oftentimes the purchased patents have overly broad claims, allowing these “patent trolls” to bully would-be infringers intoContinue reading “The Trouble with Patent Trolls”