Does an employee’s invention automatically belong to their employer?

• What is a patent?

• What can be patented?

• Does an invention have to be completely new to be patented?

• Who can apply for a patent?

• What standards are applied to determine if an invention is patentable?

• What is the first step in patenting an invention?

• When and how is a patent application prepared?

• What information goes into the patent specification?

• What is the function of the patent Claims?

• Are there different types of patent applications?

• What happens after the patent application is filed?

• Is there any recourse from an unfavorable final office action?

• What happens once the examiner finds the claims are allowable?

• Does the inventor have to wait for the issuance of his/her patent before beginning to manufacture or market the invention?

• How long does the entire patenting process take?

• Should an inventor disclose his/her invention to others prior to filing a patent application?

• What happens if two applications are filed for the same invention?

• How long does patent protection last?

• Does a U.S. Patent provide protection from foreign competition?

• How is a patent enforced?

• Can patent rights be sold?

• Does an employee’s invention automatically belong to their employer?

• What is a patent license?

• How does an inventor go about licensing his/her invention?

• Once a patent is issued, can it be revoked or modified?

• What are the maintenance requirements after a patent is issued?

Microwave Boiler and Hot Water Heater

Pre-Ignition Fuel Treatment System

Simulated Balloon Display and Method

Botanical Drug Compositions

Computer for Emergency Responders

Pet Carrier Garment

Human Echolocation System

Water Based Adhesive Curing Process

Hand Wash Monitoring System

The rights of an employer to patentable inventions of their employees depend on a number of factors, most importantly whether the activities that led to the invention were within the scope of the job duties for which the employee was compensated. Generally, when an employee is engaged in duties that may lead to a patentable invention, the employer will obtain an agreement to assign any inventions to them.