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New inventors, and sometimes seasoned ones, are often surprised (or horrified) to learn that getting a patent does not give them the ability to practice their own invention. After all, they’ve probably waited two or three years, endured two or more rejections from the Patent Office, and at last have their prize: a granted patent. “What do you mean we can’t practice it?” This is probably the most common of all misconceptions about patents.

On March 16, 2013, the United States will become a “first inventor to file” patent system instead of a “first to invent” system. Until now, the U.S. awarded a patent to whoever could demonstrate the earliest completion of an invention rather than whoever won the race to file a patent application. When two inventors claimed the same invention, the Patent Office could use an “interference” proceeding to resolve who actually invented first and was therefore entitled to the patent. With the new law, interferences will eventually go away. The only issue, aside from who filed first, is whether the first filer actually derived the invention from another and is therefore not a true inventor, a rare occurrence.

Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) remains a vital unit in refinery operations due to its shear impact on overall refinery profitability. Because of its importance, operation of the FCC must shift to meet changing market demands for particular fuel specifications, or to maximize particular products, such as diesel fuel. Research and development in equipment, catalysts and process are expected to shift to further these goals, with companies who invest research dollars in these areas often seeking to protect such investment by obtaining patent protection.

Dilworth IP is pleased to announce the addition of Joanne Davis to our team of professionals. Joanne’s years of experience in the practice of law have been focused in the corporate sphere with an emphasis on transactions, commercial and joint-venture agreements, and technology licensing. In the past, she has worked in the chemical, financial, health care and industrial business sectors, including 16 years in-house at a publicly traded, multi-national chemical manufacturer […]

Welcome! We are excited to announce the launch of our new website and the new look of Dilworth IP. Please explore the site freely. We encourage you to pay particular attention to the bio pages of the talented individuals who provide world-class IP services to our clients.