Peer to Patent

Patents and Social Networks

An upcoming paper by members of the Center for Technology Assessment, University Park, PA, discusses how social networking can be used to help identify prior art.  The paper discusses Peer-to-Patent, and other pilot projects and ideas for helping the USPTO cope with backlogged patent applications.  A more detailed description of the forthcoming paper can be found by clicking here.  The paper will be published in the International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2009, 8, 88-97.

We're interested in your feedback: would you use a social network to communicate about prior art and research?  what additional community features would you like to see on Peer-to-Patent?  would you use and help to promote a Peer-to-Patent Facebook application?  would you place a Peer-to-Patent widget on your blog to notify people of patent applications you're seeking prior art for?  Please send along any comments or suggestions to [email protected].

New Article featuring Director Mark Webbink

A recent article titled "Shiny, Shiny Patents" posted on minyanville.com features Mark Webbink, Director of the Center for Patent Innovations here at New York Law School, in a discussion on the current state of the patent industry.  According to the article, the record numbers of patent filings, some of potentially dubious quality, has created a "cottage industry" of companies that do not invent anything, but merely acquire, license, and enforce patents.  Webbink discusses the pros and cons of the current state of the patent marketplace, the importance of programs like Peer-to-Patent that seek to ensure patent quality, and the resulting confidence in markets that promotes innovation.  Click here for the article.

Peer-to-Patent in EETimes

EETimes, February 2, 2009 - Pilot patent program shows promise.  Article discusses success and potential of Peer-to-Patent in improving the patent system.

"A pilot program in its second year shows promise for improving what many observers say is the poor quality of many of today's patents. The program lets citizen experts on the Web help patent examiners find prior art."

Read full article: http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=213000341