In-Depth Analysis of Inventor Patents and Their Impact
Intro
The realm of patents attributed to individual inventors is a tapestry woven from threads of creativity, innovation, and oftentimes, sheer tenacity. Understanding this landscape is not merely an academic exercise; it carries significant implications across various scientific arenas. Whether it's the humble beginnings of a solitary inventor in a garage or the monumental strides in technology that these patents often catalyze, the history of invention holds lessons worth heeding.
This article aims to unravel the complexities surrounding inventor patents while shedding light on the vital role these legal shields play in promoting ingenuity and protecting original ideas. Here, we will navigate the intricate pathways of patent registration, explore notable figures who have shaped our technological and scientific landscape, and analyze how patents categorically align with fields such as technology, medicine, and engineering.
By grasping the significance of intellectual property rights, readers—comprising students, researchers, educators, and professionals alike—will gain insight into how these patents stimulate progress and innovation in diverse sectors. Join us on this illuminating journey as we dissect the multifaceted nature of inventor patents and their impact on society.
Research Highlights
Key Findings
Throughout this exploration, several critical findings emerge:
- Patent registration is more complex than it appears. Navigating through legalities can be quite a challenge for inventors, often requiring extensive documentation and precise execution of procedures.
- Individual inventors—those working solo—have made groundbreaking contributions that often go unrecognized at large, despite their pivotal roles in historical advancements.
- The categorization of patents reveals not only the expansion of technology and societal needs but also highlights the ingenuity of inventors in addressing specific problems across different fields.
Implications and Applications
The implications of understanding and documenting inventor patents stretch far beyond legal parameters:
- Economic Growth: Patents stimulate economies by ensuring that inventors receive recognition and financial rewards for their innovations, encouraging a cycle of creativity.
- Encouragement of Innovation: By safeguarding inventions, patents foster an environment conducive to further advancements and industry competitiveness.
- Educational Insights: For academics and students, studying patents provides practical lessons in entrepreneurship, the law, and the engineering design process.
Methodology Overview
Research Design
The approach to this article involved a comprehensive review of existing literature on inventor patents. Sources included academic journals, historical records of patents, and case studies of notable inventors across various disciplines. Emphasis was placed on contrasting extensive data sets with anecdotal narratives to provide a well-rounded perspective.
Experimental Procedures
The examination of patents also included:
- Data Compilation: Gathering statistical data on patents filed in specific fields to establish trends over time.
- Case Studies: Analyses of successful individual inventors who have registered patents, drawing connections between their innovations and societal benefits.
- Comparative Analysis: Looking at how different countries handle patent registration can reveal the impact of legal frameworks on inventiveness.
This methodology serves as a foundation for a nuanced discussion about the role of individual inventors in shaping our world. Through careful examination of these dimensions, we aim to inform and inspire a deeper understanding of the significance of inventor patents.
Understanding Patents
The realm of patents is a vital cog in the machinery of innovation and creativity, especially in an age where new ideas are like gold dust. At its core, understanding patents means grasping the intricate relationship between inventors, their creations, and the rights afforded to them by law. Patents serve a dual purpose: they protect the inventor’s intellectual property while simultaneously encouraging future innovations by providing a clear legal framework. This understanding becomes crucial not just for inventors, but also for educators, students, and professionals alike, as they navigate the nuanced landscape of invention and innovation.
Definition and Purpose
A patent is essentially a right granted by the government that allows an inventor to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing their invention without permission for a set period. It acts as an insurance policy for ideas; it is a legal protection ensuring that creative minds can enjoy the fruits of their labor. In essence, when an inventor secures a patent, they're laying the groundwork for future advancements. This right not only safeguards their innovation but empowers them to negotiate partnerships, create value, and potentially drive entire sectors forward.
Without such protections, inventors might be reluctant to share their ideas, fearing that a competitor could swoop in and capitalize on their hard work without due credit.
The Process of Patent Registration
Navigating the waters of patent registration can feel like sailing through a storm without a compass. Yet, understanding this process is crucial. It entails several steps that range from understanding pre-filing requirements to the final submission. This string of procedures ensures that the inventor's application isn’t just a shot in the dark but a well-structured appeal for protection.
Pre-filing Requirements
Every inventor needs to pass a series of pre-filing requirements before the patent registration process begins. This typically includes conducting a patent search to ensure that a similar invention isn’t already on the books. This step is paramount because it saves time and effort down the line; no one wants to chase after a fruitless endeavor. Moreover, preparing thorough documentation about the invention is essential—specific details about how it works, what makes it unique, and possible applications should all be included.
Advantages of these pre-filing requirements include clarifying the invention’s uniqueness and narrowing the focus, allowing inventors to refine their ideas. However, the downside might be the time and resources required, which can deter some potential innovators from even getting started.
Types of Patents
Understanding the types of patents is another facet of the patent registration puzzle that can not be overlooked. There are three primary types: utility patents, which cover new and useful processes, machines, articles of manufacture, or compositions of matter; design patents for new and original ornamental designs; and plant patents for new varieties of plants. Each type caters to different creative outputs and conveys unique implications for the inventors. Utility patents, for example, tend to be more common as they encompass a broader range of inventions and often have longer protection durations compared to design patents.
This differentiation allows inventors to choose the most relevant type for their invention. However, the complexities involved, particularly in determining the right category can pose challenges, leading to potential misclassifications.
Filing Process
After the groundwork is laid, the filing process represents the decisive moment when everything comes together. This is where the documentation prepared earlier is submitted to the relevant patent office for review. The actual filing can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction and whether the inventor chooses to utilize online tools or engage a patent attorney for guidance.
A crucial aspect of the filing process is the meticulousness it demands. Incomplete or poorly drafted applications can lead to delays or even outright rejections, which is why attention to detail is non-negotiable. This process can often seem cumbersome—a hurdle that inventors must clear. Yet, once successfully submitted, the inventor can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they’ve taken a critical step towards securing their rights. The filing process establishes a formal record and can even be the turning point for potential funding or collaboration opportunities moving ahead.
In summary, understanding patents and the processes surrounding them is essential for any aspiring inventor. Navigating through these waters can be tricky, but with the right knowledge, the potential rewards can be monumental, paving the way for innovation and progress.
The Role of Inventors in Innovation
Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and one cannot talk about it without recognizing the instrumental role that inventors play in this ecosystem. Inventors, with their unique perspectives and ideas, have been the catalysts for major breakthroughs across a multitude of fields. Their contributions not only shift paradigms but also spark further advancements, creating a ripple effect that often leads to unprecedented developments in technology, medicine, and engineering.
The significance of inventors in shaping our world cannot be understated. Through their patents, they secure the fruits of their creativity, ensuring that their ideas can inspire others while also providing them with the right to profit from their innovations. In an ever-evolving landscape driven by technology and societal needs, understanding the trajectory of invention is essential for grasping how we got to where we are today.
Historical Perspective
Looking back at history reveals a tapestry woven with the ingenuity of inventors. Take, for example, the realm of communication. Alexander Graham Bell's patent for the telephone in 1876 was not merely a technical achievement; it revolutionized human interaction. Bell’s work laid the groundwork for the complex telecommunications networks we rely on today. Similarly, the Wright brothers' aviation patents opened the skies, transforming transport mechanisms and facilitating global connectivity. These historical figures underscore that invention does not happen in isolation; it is often a package deal of inspiration, trial, and error, sometimes driven by passion, necessity, or a vision of the future.
Throughout the ages, inventors have adapted to the challenges of their time. The innovations of antiquity, like the wheel or the plow, illustrate that invention has been a necessity for human survival and advancement. The history of patents is intertwined with the evolution of human thought, showcasing how inventive minds respond to the challenges they face. We learn that the impact of these inventors goes far beyond their individual contributions, laying a foundation for collective knowledge and societal changes.
Modern Contributions
In the modern era, the role of inventors continues to evolve, keeping pace with technological shifts and societal demands. Today’s inventors often face new challenges; rapid advancements in technology require them to keep their finger on the pulse of emerging trends. Consider the impact of figures like Elón Musk with his ventures into electric vehicles through Tesla and space exploration with SpaceX. His patents drive forward not only the automotive industry but have also mobilized an entire generation's theory of what is possible in space travel.
Unlike earlier inventors, contemporary creators often collaborate across disciplines, blending knowledge from engineering, science, and even the arts. For instance, the rise of software patents has spawned an era of rapid digital transformation, where applications and algorithms have reshaped everything from healthcare to finance. Today, innovation is more than a solitary endeavor; it’s a symphony of minds working together to solve complex problems, often through platforms that encourage open-source ideas.
In summation, the role of inventors extends beyond their individual patents. They are a crucial element in the chain of innovation that drives society forward. The history of inventor contributions teaches us that without their contributions, many of the comforts and advancements we enjoy today may not exist. As we look toward the future, understanding the significance of these figures remains paramount in appreciating and fostering creativity and innovation in various domains.
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." - Steve Jobs
The profound impact of inventors on our modern world serves as a reminder that ideas, when nurtured, can lead to monumental changes across time and discipline. It urges us to acknowledge the continuous journey of invention, as every new creation is, in part, fueled by the spirit of those who dared to think differently.
For further reading, consider visiting: Wikipedia, Britannica
For a rich discussion of inventors and their impact, check out forums such as Reddit.
Significant Inventors and Their Patents
In the landscape of invention, certain names shine brighter than others, carving their places in history with their groundbreaking patents. Understanding the contributions of these significant inventors is critical to appreciating how they shaped industries, spurred technological advancements, and improved our daily lives. Their patents are not mere documents; they encapsulate human ingenuity and creativity that can alter the course of society.
This section highlights individuals like Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and Marie Curie, each contributing uniquely to science and technology. This discussion is vital because it allows a deeper understanding of the patenting system and its role in protecting and nurturing innovation.
Thomas Edison
Overview of Key Inventions
Edison was not one to shy away from the spotlight. With over 1,000 patents to his name, his key inventions like the phonograph and the electric light bulb have transformed the modern world. The phonograph was a significant breakthrough in sound recording and reproduction, paving the way for today's music industry. It was not just a gadget; it was the first device to capture and reproduce sound.
Edison’s electric light bulb, perhaps his most famous invention, revolutionized how people lived and worked. Imagine cities lit by flickering gas lamps instead of steady bulbs; that was the alternative before Edison’s innovation became widely adopted. The clear advantage of his inventions lies in their practicality and wide appeal, which made them immensely popular and beneficial for society.
Impact on Electrical Engineering
Edison's contributions to electrical engineering were monumental. The establishment of direct current (DC) systems and the electric power distribution networks laid the groundwork for the electrical grids we rely on today. His approach demonstrated that electricity could be harnessed for everyday use, making it accessible for residential and commercial applications.
One unique feature of his impact is the way he combined invention with entrepreneurship, leading to the formation of General Electric. This combination of creativity and business acumen stands as a model even today.
Nikola Tesla
Revolutionizing Energy Transmission
Nikola Tesla is another titan in the world of invention, often overshadowed by Edison. Tesla's work with alternating current (AC) systems revolutionized energy transmission. The advantages of AC over DC systems led to it becoming the standard for power transmission worldwide. Tesla’s invention of the Tesla coil also opened pathways in electrical engineering and radio technology.
His contributions are not only technical but fundamentally transformed how we think about energy distribution and efficiency. The unique feature of his inventions is that they enable power to travel over long distances without significant loss, which is crucial for modern power grids.
Legacy in Modern Technology
Tesla's legacy extends beyond his lifetime. Many modern technologies, such as radio, wireless communications, and even smartphones, owe their existence to his pioneering work. Redeemed from obscurity, Tesla has become a symbol of the classic underdog inventor whose work, once undervalued, now garners immense respect.
Today, the ongoing discussions regarding Tesla's contributions often highlight themes of visionary thinking and sustainable energy, marking his influence as enduring and relevant.
Marie Curie
Patents in Radioactivity
Marie Curie's patents in radioactivity represent a groundbreaking leap in scientific understanding. Her research led to the discovery of radioactive elements like polonium and radium. These discoveries were not just academic; they had practical applications, particularly in medicine and industry.
The unique feature of Curie’s work is that it opened avenues for utilizing radioactivity in medical treatments, forming the basis for radiation therapy used in cancer treatment today. It emphasizes how a single inventor's work can create ripples across multiple disciplines.
Contributions to Medicine
Curie’s contributions to medicine cannot be overstated. By pioneering the field of radioactivity, she played a pivotal role in advancing the treatment of various illnesses, particularly cancer. Her work laid the foundation for the use of radiation in medical imaging and cancer therapies, telling a compelling story of science's capacity to heal.
The lasting advantage of her innovations is seen in modern therapies that continue to save lives, underscoring her importance far beyond her era. Curie serves as an inspiring figure, demonstrating that persistence and intellectual rigor can lead to profound advancements in society.
"The force of history is greater than that of individual men, yet individual men can create history by their inventions, innovations, and foresight."
In summary, each inventor discussed brings something unique to the table. Their patents do more than simply reside in archives; they contribute actively to shaping our world. Understanding these inventors and their significant patents allows a clearer insight into the ideas that drive innovation forward, making it easier to appreciate the complex interplay of creativity, utility, and progress in society.
Categorizing Patents by Field
Categorizing patents by field is a crucial aspect of understanding the multifaceted world of inventions and intellectual property. By grouping patents into specific areas, such as technology, medicine, and engineering, we can better appreciate the innovations that shape our society. Each field presents unique challenges and opportunities for inventors, ultimately influencing how ideas materialize into patents.
Technological Advancements
Software Patents
Software patents play a significant role in the ever-evolving tech landscape. These patents often protect algorithms, coding techniques, and unique software solutions. A key characteristic of software patents is their ability to cover abstract ideas, which can lead to increased innovation in the tech industry.
One particular advantage of software patents is that they encourage more inventors to develop software solutions without the constant fear of intellectual property infringement. However, this can also lead to complications, such as overly broad patent claims that stifle competition. In the end, software patents remain a popular choice for protecting original software products and services.
Hardware Innovations
Hardware innovations focus on tangible inventions, which can include everything from computers and smartphones to kitchen appliances. A defining feature of hardware patents is their ability to protect a physical product or device, rather than just abstract concepts. This makes them significantly essential to industries reliant on machinery, electronics, and physical developments.
One big plus for hardware innovations is the clear pathway to market. They often lead to direct applications in consumer goods, making them easier for inventors to illustrate their practical use. However, hardware patents can also come with hefty research and development costs, which can deter smaller inventors from entering the field.
Medical Innovations
Pharmaceutical Patents
Pharmaceutical patents are vital in safeguarding the development of new medicines and therapies. They protect active ingredients, formulations, and methods of treatment. One standout characteristic of pharmaceutical patents is their extended protection periods compared to other types of patents. This incentive ensures that inventors can recover their research investments.
However, the complex nature of drug development means pharmaceutical patents can contribute to high drug prices, which raises ethical concerns. Despite these issues, pharmaceutical patents remain fundamental to encouraging advancements in healthcare.
Medical Devices
Medical devices encompass a wide array of products, from surgical instruments to diagnostic machines. Patents in this area focus on both the devices themselves and the methods of their use. A key characteristic of medical device patents is their ability to significantly enhance patient care and safety.
The unique feature of medical devices often lies in their advanced technology, allowing for improved outcomes in treatment and recovery. Still, the regulatory hurdles can be daunting, leading to long approval processes. Nonetheless, medical device patents are crucial in driving innovations in the healthcare sector.
Engineering Solutions
Structural Patents
Structural patents center around building and construction innovations. These can include patented designs for bridges, skyscrapers, and other civil engineering projects. A significant aspect of structural patents is their impact on safety and sustainability in construction practices.
The ability to protect innovative designs can enhance safety protocols and boost the longevity of structures. However, the risk of infringement can lead to potential legal battles, which may hinder collaboration among engineers and architects.
Mechanical Engineering Inventions
Mechanical engineering inventions encompass a wide range of applications, from engines to everyday household appliances. These patents are crucial for protecting mechanical innovations that enhance efficiency and functionality. A central feature of mechanical engineering patents is their emphasis on practicality, driven by real-world applications.
While these patents provide inventors with a competitive edge, the complexity of maintaining and enforcing them can be a hurdle. Balancing innovation with legal protection remains a challenge in the mechanical engineering field.
By categorizing patents by field, we gain insights into specific trends and challenges that shape the innovation landscape. This understanding is invaluable for inventors, businesses, and policymakers alike as they navigate the intricate world of intellectual property.
Challenges in Patent Documentation
Navigating the landscape of patent documentation poses various challenges that inventors must confront. The due diligence required in creating thorough and precise patent applications is nothing short of vital for ensuring that intellectual property rights are adequately protected. With innovations evolving at breakneck speed, missteps in documentation can lead to loss of rights or, worse, legal disputes. A clear understanding of these challenges can aid inventors in avoiding common pitfalls and bolster their chances of success in the patenting process.
Legal Barriers
Legal barriers represent one of the foremost challenges faced by inventors seeking patents. Each country has its own set of laws governing intellectual property rights, creating a complex web of regulations that can trip up even seasoned inventors. The differences in patent laws, such as patentability standards or examination processes, can be quite stark. For instance, while the United States grants patents broadly on innovations that meet specific criteria, other countries may be far more stringent.
Furthermore, global harmonization of patent laws remains a goal that has yet to be fully achieved, leading inventors into murky waters. Navigating international treaties, such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), adds further layers of complexity. Failing to comply with legal requirements, even in trivial matters, may result in delays or outright rejection of applications. This makes thorough legal counsel and research an indispensable part of the patenting strategy.
"Legal clarity can transform barriers into bridges that propel innovation forward."
Financial Constraints
The financial burden associated with patenting can be another daunting hurdle for inventors. The cost of preparing a patent application can rise steeply, depending on the technology involved and the expertise required. Hiring a qualified patent attorney is not a luxury; it's often essential. However, legal fees can easily spiral, particularly for complex inventions that necessitate detailed specifications and claims.
On top of this, there are filing fees that vary widely across jurisdictions, as well as maintenance fees that must be paid to keep patents in force. For innovators lacking substantial funding, these costs can be prohibitive.
Creative financing solutions, from crowdfunding to partnerships, might mitigate some of the weight, but many would-be inventors still find the path daunting. It's imperative for inventors to weigh these financial considerations as part of their innovation strategy, ensuring they have not just a brilliant idea, but also the necessary resources to protect it.
In summary, understanding the challenges of patent documentation, from legal constraints to financial burdens, empowers inventors to better navigate their journey in the ever-evolving world of intellectual property. By arming themselves with knowledge and seeking appropriate resources, they can turn potential pitfalls into stepping stones toward innovation.
Patents and Intellectual Property Rights
In today’s fast-paced world, understanding patents and intellectual property rights has become more than just an academic interest; it's critical for safeguarding innovation. This section highlights the significance of these concepts within the realm of individual inventors and the broader implications for society, businesses, and future technological advancements.
Intellectual property (IP) refers to the legal rights that protect creations of the mind. This includes inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Patents specifically protect inventions, granting inventors exclusive rights to their work for a certain period. These rights prevent others from using, selling, or distributing their invention without permission. In this way, patents serve as a crucial incentive for inventors to invest time and resources into their ideas, knowing they can reap the rewards of their ingenuity.
The benefits of securing patents are multifaceted. For inventors, patents can provide a competitive edge in the marketplace. With their invention legally protected, creators can negotiate licensing agreements, sell their rights, or even attract investors. This acts as a financial lifeline, enabling inventors to transform their ideas from mere concepts into tangible products that benefit society as a whole. Moreover, this legal framework fosters an environment of creativity, encouraging more individuals to engage in innovation.
However, navigating the landscape of intellectual property is not without its challenges. One must consider the nuances of patent law, which can vary by jurisdiction. For instance, what may be patentable in one country might not be the case elsewhere. Furthermore, the costs associated with filing and maintaining a patent can be daunting for independent inventors or smaller enterprises. It’s a delicate balance between protecting innovation and the potential stifling effect of overly complex and costly patent systems.
"Intellectual property rights, when implemented correctly, can drive advancement, allowing innovators to share their genius with the world without fear of theft."
In essence, a robust understanding of patents and intellectual property rights is essential for current and aspiring inventors. It’s not just about securing a piece of paper; it’s about ensuring that one’s hard work, creativity, and time are respected and rewarded.
Understanding IP Law
Delving deeper into IP law provides insight into how it works and why it matters. The concept of intellectual property is rooted in the idea that creators deserve to have their work protected from unauthorized use. The legal framework encompasses various rights, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, but this section mainly focuses on patents.
Patent law provides guidelines on what can be patented, which typically includes:
- New inventions or processes
- Improvements to existing inventions
- Specific designs of products
A foundational requirement for obtaining a patent is that the invention must be novel, meaning it has never been disclosed to the public before. Additionally, it must be non-obvious, indicating that someone skilled in the relevant field wouldn’t find it easy to deduce.
The patent application process also requires detailed descriptions and claims to ensure that the inventor's rights are well-defined. This meticulous documentation safeguards against potential disputes down the line. Since patents make up a substantial part of IP law, understanding this area helps separate the wheat from the chaff in an ever-evolving landscape of innovation.
The Global Patent System
The global patent system operates on a patchwork of national and international laws, shaping how inventions are protected worldwide. Various treaties, such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and agreements put forth by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), facilitate the process.
When an inventor seeks to gain protection beyond their home country, they must usually file in each individual country, which can be quite an endeavor. This has led to the development of systems that allow for a streamlined patent application process in multiple countries through a single application. However, this does not eliminate the diverse regulations that each country imposes.
Navigating the global landscape of patents can be challenging. Each country has distinct requirements regarding patentability and enforcement, which can complicate matters for inventors who wish to commercialize their innovations internationally. For instance, while some nations may grant protection for broader concepts, others may require more specific details, leading to inconsistencies in what can be patentable.
Educating oneself about these nuances can be pivotal for inventors as they chart their paths in international markets. Understanding the ins and outs of various global patent systems allows inventors to better protect their rights while exploring new opportunities in the international arena.
Future of Patents and Innovation
The future of patents represents not only how we safeguard inventions but also how innovation might evolve in various fields. As we leap into an era filled with rapid technological advancements, patents become critical in providing a protective shield for inventors. They offer an essential means for inventors to ensure that their ideas can be turned into viable products without the fear of them being copied without permission. The importance of understanding the trajectory of patents cannot be overstated, as they impact everything from economic growth to the pace of scientific discovery.
Emerging Trends
Innovation doesn't sit still, and neither do the methods of protecting it. A few trends are reshaping the patent landscape:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The algorithms that drive these technologies are making it possible to analyze vast amounts of patent data. Such analysis helps inventors and companies identify gaps in the market and potential areas for improvement, leading to new patents.
- Crowdsourcing and Open Innovation: Increasingly, companies are turning to crowdsourcing ideas. Instead of working strictly within the confines of their innovation teams, organizations today are inviting input from outsiders. This can accelerate the innovation process and lead to a diverse array of patents.
- Sustainability and Green Technologies: As the world grapples with environmental concerns, there is an upward trend in patents related to sustainable technologies. Innovations that focus on reducing ecological impacts are seeing a rise in patent filings, signaling a commitment to not just technological advancement but responsible stewardship of the Earth.
These trends suggest a robust future for patents, intertwined with the global emphasis on sustainability and technological efficiency.
The Role of Technology
Technology plays a double-edged sword in the realm of patents. On one hand, advancements in technology streamline the patent process itself, making registration quicker and more accessible. Online platforms allow inventors to submit applications virtually, reducing geographical and financial barriers. For instance, the USPTO's Electronic Filing System offers a user-friendly interface, making it simpler for inventors to navigate the complex waters of patent law.
On the flip side, technology also introduces challenges. As the pace of innovation accelerates, the definition of what constitutes a patentable invention is constantly evolving. New technologies bring with them questions about originality and ownership. For example, with the advent of 3D printing, traditional notions of creating and disseminating products are being upended. To address these issues, patent offices globally are coming up with guidelines to ensure that patent laws keep up with technological advancements.
In summary, the interplay between patents and technology is complex. However, understanding this relationship is vital for inventors, businesses, and policy-makers alike, as it influences the future trajectory of innovation. Through thoughtful engagement with emerging trends and advances in technology, the patent landscape will continue to evolve, enabling inventors to protect their intellectual property while fostering ongoing advancement in their fields.
"Innovation knows no bounds, and neither should its protection through the patent system."
For further reading on legalities and emerging trends in patents, visit Wikipedia on Intellectual Property or Britannica's Overview of Patents.
