On Wed, 24 Nov 2004 10:08:57 +1100, Tim Churches <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: ... > Yes, but if the patent is issued regardless (as very often seems to > happen), then its invalidity needs to be proven in the courts - very > expensive.
Tim, Going to court and the associated expense may not be necessary. For US Patents, we can add citation: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/appxr_1_501.htm#cfr37s1.501 or ask for re-examination: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/appxr_1_510.htm#cfr37s1.510 Ex partes re-examination costs $2520. > Better to oppose the patent application before it issues, to > prevent it ever becoming a patent - still surprisingly expensive, Filing a "Protest" before the patent is issued does not look expensive at all from here: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/1900.htm In fact, I don't even see the mention of any filing fee. > but less expensive that a court case. Sure, but there are lots of things that can be done before ending up in court. Best regards, Andrew -- Andrew P. Ho, M.D. OIO: Open Infrastructure for Outcomes www.TxOutcome.Org
