Anything Under the Sun Made by Man

This is the second in a series of posts regarding the patent disclosure meeting. Here is the first.

Every patent agent/attorney does their disclosure meetings differently. I like to do my meetings in person. There is nothing like being in the same room as the inventors, drawing on a white board, and reading those unspoken but noticeable body language cues.

The disclosure meetings always seem to go better when it is in person. I think there are several variables at play.

One of the most rewarding parts of patent law is the disclosure interview. This is where a good patent agent/attorney can add value far in excess of the fees collected.

A good disclosure interview is an opportunity to shape the invention into something that makes sense for the business as well as sets the proper expectations for the inventors. A good disclosure meeting is also brutally exhausting if done well.

I do all of my patent cases for a fixed fee. Because of this, I need to be efficient and thorough at every step. I view the disclosure interview as the most essential step that helps me do the highest quality work for a reasonable price.

Really, there is no contest.

The IP Section of the Colorado Bar Association, in conjunction with Silicon Flatirons hosted a debate between representatives from the Obama and McCain campaigns today in Denver. Jonathan Alter, a columnist and editor for Newsweek moderated the discussion between attorneys Ed Reines and Ray Gifford representing the McCain campaign and professors Christopher Sprigman and Arti Rai representing the Obama campaign.

Licensing technology from other sources makes sense in several situations, even when the licensee does not practice the technology.

Remember that patents are merely business tools, and they are useful when they give your business an advantage over a competitor. Taking a license, even when your company may not currently infringe, may be appropriate in some cases.

Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to talk to several new attorneys who are looking for work or who may be considering going solo. Here are a few thoughts that I have on the subject.