Click logo to listen to this episode

Blog Talk Radio’s “Business Talk” show co-host,  patent attorney Jo-Anne Yau, presented, “Protecting Your Invention – an Introduction to Patent Law.”  Ms. Yau discussed protecting your inventions with Patents.  This is a two part series with this episode covering an introduction to patents, how they work, what’s protected and what’s involved with the filing process.

In a sense, patents are recipes on how to build or make something.  Holding a patent does not protect how your invention ultimately gets used, but it does give you the right to exclude others from using your method of putting something “together”.

Ms. Yau discussed the effects of patent infringement, both as the patent owner and the infringer.  She described the differences and costs attributed to holding a United States patent and for those listeners who are interested in doing work in a foreign country, Ms. Yau explains how recognition, policing, and enforcement of your U.S. Patent is handled.  She also talks about how multiple patents can be combined to create new and useful products!

To qualify for a patent, you must be an inventor.  There are rules and restrictions that may halt your qualification for patent protection.  Ms. Yau explains the First to Invent versus the First to Use laws which govern the United States.   She articulates the difference between utility, design, and plant patents.  There are many laws pertaining to the patent application. Ms. Yau illustrates the specific and oftentimes lengthy timelines that a client, who wishes to apply for a patent, may have to sustain.  As Ms. Yau explains, there are also multiple costs associated with the patent application process.

Today’s guest is David Lombana, who has been successful on patenting his “Glo 2 Go”, invention, an accessory for bicycles and skateboards that attaches to the bottom of the board and allows for a glowing-nighttime effect on the vehicle.  Mr. Lombana, who is not a career inventor, designed the invention and prototype himself.  Mr. Mombana explained his reasons for wanting to patent his invention.  He discusses his desire regarding licensing and the future for his “Glo 2 Go”.   As Mr. Lombana explains, there are some surprises that he was met with, during the patenting process.  He spoke about his thoughts concerning hiring an attorney as an absolute necessity, and gave listeners advice if you are a new inventor and you are thinking about getting involved with the process.

Ms. Yau also discussed matters relating to license agreements and business strategies regarding  behind your desire to obtain a patent.

Filed under: Business Talk: Blog Talk Radio Episodes, Patents by Yau Jo-Anne Friday, February 10th, 2012