Startups often ask whether their technology qualifies for patent protection, and if so, when the appropriate time in their R&D cycle to apply for patents would be, how much to disclose in their applications, and how to deal with their applications being rejected. In this seminar, we will discuss the patentability requirements (including patentable subject matter, novelty, non-obviousness, and sufficiency of disclosure), the patent application process, and prosecuting applications.

By the end of this session you’ll be able to:

• Identify potential pitfalls that would disqualify an invention from patent protection.
• Determine a suitable timeframe to apply for patents.
• Appreciate the strategy involved in patent prosecution.

Presented by: Stephen Hou, Patent Prosecutor, American Patent Agency PC