Patently-O Bits and Bytes No. 91

  • PatentLawPic666Statistics on the Use of Means Plus Function Language: Thus far in 2009 (1/1/2009 – 2/8/2009) the PTO has issued 17,206 patents. Of those, only 12% (2060) have a “means for” clause in the claim language.  Looking back one decade, 24% of patents issued in January 1999 included a “means for” clause in the claim language. Looking back two decades, 34% of patents issued in January 1989 included a “means for” clause in the claim language. Looking back three decades, 40% of patents issued in January 1979 included a “means for” clause in the claim language.
  • New Funny Blog: http://courtoons.wordpress.com/ by appellate attorney David Mills
  • Watch The Symposium: The hardworking folks at Santa Clara’s Computer & High Technology Law Journal (CHTLJ) have posted materials and video from their conference two weeks ago. Those of you who have practiced before Judges Whyte or Ware will certainly enjoy the tribute video. [LINK] [The best portion begins at 11:20 in the Whyte video].
  • PTO Transparancy: Readers submitted two additional suggestions for PTO Transparancy
    • The PTO should calculate and publish the expiration date of each patent.
    • The PTO should publish reexamination certificates so that they are searchable. [Via NIPPER]