Computer Intellectual Property
Our Patent Experience
Our patent attorneys have backgrounds in electrical engineering and computer architecture, as well as experience with programming. On top of that, they have prepared and prosecuted numerous patents covering all aspects of computer technology. These range all the way from the atomic level with cutting edge semiconductor devices, up though large electrical components and network connection infrastructure for computing networks.
We also have significant experience with mobile computing devices (e.g., smart phones and tablets). We have prepared and prosecuted patents on all aspects of mobile computing devices, some of which include: wireless communications infrastructure (Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, cellular, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.); antennas and electromagnetic (EM) fields; biometric systems; input/output devices; and software/apps.
Computer Invention Patent Standards
In recent years, the standards for patent eligibility of computer-related inventions has changed dramatically, and unfortunately to the detriment of inventors and innovators. With the Supreme Court’s decision in Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and federal courts are now tasked with determining if a computer-related invention involves an “abstract” idea in the first place, and if so whether there is something about the invention that transforms it into “something more”. The idea behind the decision was to clarify that merely taking a known business practice (i.e., an “abstract idea”) and performing it on a general purpose computer was not a patent eligible invention. The problem with this approach is that it is very difficult to apply this standard, as many judges and patent examiners that we have informally discussed this with have acknowledged.
With any technology, it is always important to have a skilled and experienced patent attorney help craft your patent application to have the best chance for success when it is picked up and examined by an examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. However, this is even more so when it comes to so-called software-related patents, as court decisions and guidance from the Patent Office continue to evolve. As we are “in the trenches” dealing with examiners on these types of cases on a regular basis, we are able to continually work towards better resolutions for applicants and share “lessons learned” among the members of our team.
Whether the computer-related invention is software or hardware-based, relates to semiconductor devices and processing, or even advanced computer network infrastructure, we cover it all. Let our skilled computer patent attorneys leverage their vast knowledge and experience to help protect your key computer-related innovations.