Earlier this year, Facebook, Inc. patented a new technology that watches its users through device cameras, such as front-facing cameras commonly found on cell phones and other mobile devices, to detect the user's emotions and facial expressions as the user browses content on Facebook's social network. The patent (U.S. Patent No. 9,681,166) was issued on [...]

In celebration of Easter Sunday, below is a short list of some interesting U.S. patents and patent applications with Easter themes: Easter Egg Coloring Kits U.S. Patent No. 5,074,239: "Easter Eggs Decorating and Coloring Kit" U.S. Pub. Patent App. No. 2007/0210594: Egg Dipper for use in Egg Decorating Kit" Easter Candy U.S. Design Patent No. [...]

If you have a new idea or invention, the first step in the patent process is often to have a patent search conducted. The results of a thorough patent search can help answer some important initial questions concerning your invention - answers that can help you decide what to do and where to go next. [...]

In the last three years, Apple has increased its U.S. patent portfolio in a significant manner -- perhaps in an attempt to bolster its position in the intellectual property wars against Samsung and other like technology companies. Apple has grown its U.S. patent portfolio by about 25% every year for the past three years, and [...]

On June 13, 2016, the Supreme Court of the United States decided a case (Halo Electronics, Inc. v. Pulse Electronics, Inc.) that surrounds the potential for patent infringement damage awards up to three (3) times the amount found as actual infringement damages. This extraordinary damage multiplier arises under Federal Law (35 U.S.C. 284) and is [...]

An interesting article published by the National Law Review identifies 9 reasons start-up companies can benefit from a patent. Among other items, the article notes that patents can help stop the theft of innovations, can bring prestige and influence, and can increase the chances of acquisition or obtaining venture capital. For instance, in a 2010 [...]

A new patent that was issued to Google yesterday provides an interesting account on how and when its self-driving vehicle will take control from the driver. For example, when the driver is ready to relinquish control to the autonomous driving system or computer, the driver may press a button or pull a lever (similar to activating cruise [...]

To accompany the recent announcement of Toyota's fuel cell vehicle (FCV), called the Mirai, Toyota opens up use of its 5,680 fuel cell patents on a royalty-free basis. In order to power the motor of a vehicle, fuel cells capture and use electricity released from the combination of oxygen and hydrogen molecules. Although Toyota announces plans [...]

In less than a week, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in Alice Corporation v. CLS Bank International, a case that could impact the patentability of computer software and business methods. Although an outright ban on the patentabilty of software is unlikely, the Court is expected to focus more on what constitutes an unpatentable [...]

To commemorate the end of World War I, Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919 as Veterans Day (initially called "Armistice Day"). Since then, Veterans Day has been held on every November 11th to honor U.S. veterans and victims of all wars.Coincidentally, on that very same day, November 11, 1919, U.S. Patent No. 1,364,388 was filed [...]