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• Common Mistakes in Patent Claims: How to Correctly Describe Data Transmission

  When drafting patent claims, precision in language is crucial to ensure that the invention is accurately described and protected. A single misplaced word can alter the entire meaning of a claim, potentially leading to misunderstandings or even legal disputes. One common mistake that often slips under the radar is the improper use of the word "include."

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• Some Thoughts about Current U.S. Patent System

  The U.S. patent system, once a driving force behind technological advancement, is now widely seen as faltering. To restore its vitality, experts argue that a dedicated, long-term effort is needed to address its shortcomings. This discussion focuses on pinpointing the root causes of the system's decline and offering actionable solutions to reinvigorate it.

  In its heyday, particularly during the 1980s, the patent system thrived. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) successfully reduced its backlog, cutting the average pendency time to just 18 months.

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• Will Global Patent Filings Reach Record High in 2024?

  Innovation is thriving globally, with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) expecting to report a notable rise in patent applications for 2024. Based on historical trends and official patent data, over 3.8 million patent applications were filed worldwide in 2024—a 7% increase from the previous year.

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• «Plurality» or «Multiple» in Patent Drafting: Which to Use?

  When drafting patent applications, the choice between "plurality" and "multiple" can indeed be tricky, as both terms have specific implications in patent law. Here are some key considerations:

  "Plurality":

     - Traditionally means "a number greater than one" in patent drafting practice.

     - Often used instead of phrases like "more than one" or "two or more" due to established conventions.

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• A Workable Approach for Drafting Patent Claims

  If you want to get most of your patent try to use an Input-Processing-Output (IPO) approach for drafting patent claims. The IPO framework breaks the invention into three fundamental stages: Input, Processing, and Output. To illustrate this concept, picture a “black box” representing your invention — this box could be a processor, a server, a router, or any other hardware or software system.

  Here’s how the stages play out:

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