Strategic Patent Planning for Software Companies

Strategic Patent Planning for Software Companies List Price: $14.99 Offer Price: USD $9.02 See Latest Price & Discount Author Eric Stasik Binding: Paperback Publication Date: 2004-07-07 ISBN 1932813322 Publisher:Althos Editorial Reviews: Product Description Strategic Patent Planning for Software Companies looks at the current patent and licensing strategies used by successful companies that develop and market software. This book discusses the current status of international patent protection as regards computer-implemented inventions (CII), explains why copyright is inadequate, and describes how patents are being used by Microsoft and the Apache Software Foundation to support a wide range of business objectives. Over the past decade extensions in the scope of patent protection to include computer-implemented inventions have generated controversy, concern, and a great deal of hyperbole. In Europe the debate over "software patents" has been bitter and rancorous and the directive to harmonize European patent law with EPO practice faces an uncertain future. The business approach of this book is highlighted by a comprehensive listing of strategic business objectives which patents can be used to support. You will discover how patents have become uniquely versatile business tools. By examining the patent strategies employed by others, you can better understand the needs of your own company and how you too can use patents to gain and maintain competitive advantages.