2012年1月12日 星期四

柯達的終戰!?(Kodak sues Apple, HTC over patents)

「Kodak moment」是個習慣用語,柯達一刻意指是「指能留下美好記憶的時刻」

曾幾何時,柯達Kodak因為數位時代的適應不良,變成一個正在衰弱的企業,在各種雜誌、新聞都有討論,財務上更因為股價掉到不到1美元看出更是窘困,因此要提出專利訴訟,這順帶的大筆龐大的支出,或許是柯達的機會(為了企業內整併、破產保護),或是一種天鵝之歌!
最近的新聞是1/10控告蘋果與宏達電(HTC)的手機侵害柯達的專利,分別在ITC(International Trade Commission,相關內容可參考:http://enpan.blogspot.com/2011/10/itc.html)與紐約地方法院提出告訴。
其中在ITC的控告一定是希望兩個公司與柯達和解並繳出授權費用,因為在海關禁制人家的產品對柯達並無實際幫助;但在地方法院提出訴訟則確實是覬覦龐大的侵權費用!

訴訟專利涉及「透過網路從相機自動傳送影像的技術」與「取得傳送email的影像」的技術,並且在Kodak宣稱的專利中,相關基礎專利超過190件(可參考:『The four patents asserted Tuesday against both Apple and HTC have as co-inventor Kodak researcher Kenneth Parulski, who has more than 190 patents "and is widely recognized as a pioneer in numerous digital camera technologies," according to the company's complaint.』)

訴訟專利包括同時控告HTC與APPLE的US7,210,161、US7,742,084、US7,453,605、US7,936,391,HTC多一件被告:US6,292,218

US7,210,161揭露一種透過網路從數位相機自動傳遞影像的技術,我認為特別的是,先將網路設定(network configuration)由電腦載入數位相機,網路設定中包括如何連接網路與傳遞目標的設定,使用者則可透過相機上的傳遞按鍵自動將影像檔案傳送到目的端,比如一個照片分享網站。其中相機內記憶體規劃兩個空間,第一空間是儲存數位影像;第二空間是儲存網路設定

獨立範圍如:
1. A method of transferring one of more images from an electronic camera to a service provider, the camera including optics and an image sensor for generating an image signal, a display for displaying images, a plurality of user inputs, a first digital memory for storing digital images, a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, and a communications interface, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) storing the network configuration file for the service provider in the second digital memory;
(b) subsequently using the optics and image sensor to generate a plurality of image signals which are stored as a plurality of digital images in the first digital memory;
(c) viewing at least one of the plurality of digital images on the display of the electronic camera;
(d) using at least one of the plurality of user inputs to select at least one digital image for transfer to the service provider;
(e) using at least one of the plurality of user inputs to initiate transfer of the selected at least one digital image to the service provider;
(f) using the network configuration file, the electronic camera automatically establishing communications with the service provider and transferring the selected digital image(s) from the electronic camera to the service provider using the communications interface;
(g) transferring from the service provider to the electronic camera, feedback indicating the status of the transfer process; and
(h) displaying the status on the display of the electronic camera.

US7,742,084揭露一種從數位相機自動傳遞影像的網路設定檔案,此案就揭示儲存在相機內的網路設定檔(network configuration file),設定內容如:通訊埠、使用者帳號密碼、目標位址等

1. An electronic camera comprising:
a communication interface;
a sensor for capturing images;
a first memory for storing images;
a second memory for storing information for communicating with a plurality of destinations via the communications interface; and
a user interface for selecting an image destination and for commanding the camera to send the images to the selected destination via the communications interface using the information, and
wherein the user interface displays a plurality of descriptive icons representative of the plurality of destinations and selection is made by reference to at least one of the icons.

US7,453,605揭露一種取得傳遞至特定電子信箱的影像的技術,這件很單純,就是選個照片傳送出去,過程中會提供使用者選擇目標電子郵件的介面,特別的是相機記憶體內有儲存電子郵件的空間

1. An electronic camera for capturing images to be transferred to at least one e-mail address, the electronic camera comprising:
(a) an image sensor for capturing a plurality of images;
(b) a first memory for storing the plurality of images;
(c) a second memory for storing a plurality of e-mail addresses;
(d) a processor for producing a utilization file;
(e) a display coupled to the first memory for displaying at least one of the plurality of stored images; and
(f) a user interface for selecting at least one e-mail address stored in the second memory and for scrolling through the plurality of images stored in the first memory in order to display and select at least one image to be transferred to the selected at least one e-mail address,
wherein the utilization file identifies the at least one selected e-mail address and the at least one image to be transferred to the at least one selected e-mail address.

US7,936,391揭露一種具有通訊介面的數位相機,可以透過手機網路與無線網路傳遞影像到目的端,這也是應用在一般數位相機的技術,可以透過無線通訊的方式(權利範圍表示內建至少兩種)將拍攝的照片傳出去,這個概念感覺大概就是將來數位相機的特色之一,在手機內算是常見的應用
1. A digital camera for capturing a plurality of images comprising:
an image sensor for receiving incident light of a scene, the digital camera capturing an image corresponding to the incident light of the scene;
a display for displaying the plurality of captured images and for displaying a menu of destinations;
at least one user input for selection of at least one image from the plurality of captured images and a destination from the menu of destinations displayed on the display;
a communications interface for transmitting the at least one selected image to the selected destination over one of a plurality of networks, the plurality of networks including at least two different types of wireless networks; a memory; and
a processor coupled to the image sensor, the display, the at least one user input, the communications interface, and the memory, the processor controlling the transmission of the at least one selected image to the selected destination using either one of the at least two different types of wireless networks.

US6,292,218揭露在移動預覽影像時初始化影像拍攝的電子照相機,也就是透過預覽(電子觀景窗)拍攝目標來初始拍攝動作的技術,這顯然是軟體方面的操作
1. An electronic still camera for initiating capture of a still image while previewing motion images on a display, comprising:
(a) an image sensor having a two-dimensional array of photosites covered by a mosaic pattern of color filters including at least three different colors for capturing images of a scene, each captured image having a first number of color pixel values provided in a first color pattern;
(b) motion processing means for generating from the captured images, a second number of color pixel values provided in a second color pattern having at least three different colors and representative of a series of motion images to be previewed, the second number of color pixel values being less than the first number of color pixel values, and the second color pattern being different from the first color pattern;
(c) a color display for presenting at least some of the motion images of the series of motion images corresponding to the captured images of the scene, the color display having an arrangement of color display pixels including at least three different colors in a pattern different from the first color pattern;
(d) a capture button for initiating capture of a still image while previewing the motion images presented on the color display;
(e) still processing means for generating a third number of color pixel values including at least three different colors representative of a processed captured still image; and
(f) a digital memory for storing the processed captured still image.


就使用者的角度而言,這些權利範圍感覺頗為適當,也是一般的技術應用;如果把智慧手機、平板電腦視為數位相機,這些範圍也算是可能read on這些3C產品;上述權利範圍的描述主軸都在電子照相機(數位相機)上的基本硬體描述,但透過細節功能與連接關係的限定,產生一系列有意義的權利範圍

後語:
柯達提出訴訟算是有點把握,柯達在影像處理方面確實仍是先驅,應該擁有許多關鍵專利,並且報導指出,關於訴訟的專利已經授權給許多大公司,如LG Electronics, Motorola, Samsung Electronics and Nokia等,因此在此「印象」之下,對訴訟應該是有幫助的!
報導甚至提到最近CES有展出此類技術的數位相機,如以下Kodak網站上公佈具有WiFi傳輸影像檔案功能的新相機:


Ron
資料參考:
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9223347/Kodak_sues_HTC_Apple_over_patent_infringement
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/10/BUT81MNDCS.DTL
FOSS Patents

2012年1月10日 星期二

日本改請規定

當申請人在初期提出「新型」案的規劃時,目的多半是可以順利短期取得專利,但是對長遠規劃不見得是好的方式,因此可以配套使用「一案兩請」、「改請」、「國內優先權」等措施

就日本專利的規定,同樣也讓專利權人於新型專利「申請」後三年內提出「專利改請」申請,包括在舉發答辯期間、做出「新型技術評價書」之後的特定時間內(一個月),都可以提出改請申請

日本改請規定有:
Article 46 (Conversion of application)
  • (1) An applicant of a utility model registration may convert the application into a patent application; provided, however, that this shall not apply after the expiration of 3 years from the date of filing of the utility model registration application.
    日本專利法第46條第1項:新型登錄案可以於新型申請案申請日後3年內提出「改請」
  • (2) An applicant of a design registration may convert the application into a patent application; provided, however, that this shall not apply after the expiration of 30 days from the date the certified copy of the examiner's initial decision to the effect that the application for a design registration is to be refused has been served or after the expiration of 3 years from the date of filing of the design registration application (excluding the period of a maximum of 30 days after the date the certified copy of the examiner's initial decision to the effect that the application for a design registration is to be refused has been served).
    日本專利法第46條第2項:設計專利可轉換為專利申請案,但不得晚於專利審查委員做出初步決定後30日,尤其是做出核駁理由時;或可於設計專利申請日後3年內提出改請(若審查初次核駁,仍應於30日內提出改請)
  • 經改請後,原案將被撤回
以下情況為不得由新型專利改請發明案:
  • 新型申請日後超過3年
  • 提出技術評價書(utility model technical opinion)的期間
  • 做出技術評價書後超過30日,也就是在技術評價書做出後30日內可以提出改請
  • 新型專利被舉發確定(invalidation),舉發答辯期間可以提出改請

小結:
撰寫新型專利時,若有足夠的資料,不要排除適合「發明」的描述,比如方法流程、製程、具新穎性、進步性的實施例等,以便日後做出「改請發明」時不會「沒有內容」;
相反地,撰寫發明案時,應該適度置入「裝置」或「結構」,以便日後可以改請新型案

Ron
補充:(感謝同事的資料提供)
若新型專利申請後3年內曾提「技術評價書」,在取得評價書之後30日內若無提出改請,將失去改請的機會,即使尚未到3年期限
3年內,舉發答辯期間若無提出改請,同樣也是失去改請的資格!

補充(感謝同事提供):
大陸專利法實施細則

第三十二条 申请人在一件专利申请中,可以要求一项或者多项优先权;要求多项优先权的,该申请的优先权期限从最早的优先权日起计算。申请人要求本国优先权,在先申请是发明专利申请的,可以就相同主题提出发明或者实用新型专利申请;在先申请是实用新型专利申请的,可以就相同主题提出实用新型或者发明专利申请。但是,提出后一申请时,在先申请的主题有下列情形之一的,不得作为要求本国优先权的基础:

(一) 已经要求外国优先权或者本国优先权的;
(二)
已经被授予专利权的;
(三)
属于按照规定提出的分案申请的。

申请人要求本国优先权的,其在先申请自后一申请提出之日起即视为撤回。

2012年1月7日 星期六

收到專利核准通知,也是再加入附屬範圍的時機

答辯過程中刪除的範圍,其目的可能是為了讓其餘專利範圍順利核准,但是當你收到核准通知時,可以趁機將合理的附屬項附加上去,理論上仍會核准這些附屬項,或是附屬型式的獨立項!

但這類修正可能會有以下考慮:

1. 收到notice of allowance之後的修正,若有新增權利範圍,應提出RCE(request for continued examination),有額外費用

2. RCE之後,審查委員仍應針對這些新增範圍「檢索」,因此或許有新的核駁理由的風險
3. 若修正為「回補」以前刪除的範圍,應以新增範圍處理,如23. (New) ....

4. 新增範圍會新增費用,但總體仍在20項範圍內與3項獨立項內,不會有新增費用
5. 新增範圍若有多重附屬項,仍會有新增費用,若於申請時已經繳過(原送件稿有多重附屬項),就不用再繳

順利的話,會再次收到Notice of Allowance

Ron

事務所之必要!

相信很多inhouse專利工程師都有感覺,公司希望你可以省掉一些「事務所」費用,結果就要你自己寫稿、答辯,甚至是送件與之後的年費、期限管理,結果,可能會惹來一些失誤與麻煩

美國專利程序上教人「自己弄專利」的書Patent It Yourself,是非常棒的書,雖然大本,但是卻簡單易懂。「自己弄專利」,原因是美國專利局要求審查委員在專利審查過程應要協助發明人取得專利,甚至是協助「未委託代理人」的發明人送件、撰寫權利範圍等。即便如此,但是仍在書中建議發明人尋求專業的代理人與事務所協助

美國MPEP 707.07(j)
I. INVENTOR FILED APPLICATIONS When, during the examination of a pro se application it becomes apparent to the examiner that there is patentable subject matter disclosed in the application, the examiner should draft one or more claims for the applicant and indicate in his or her action that such claims would be allowed if incorporated in the application by amendment. This practice will expedite prosecution and offer a service to individual inventors not represented by a registered patent attorney or agent. Although this practice may be desirable and is permissible in any case deemed appropriate by the examiner, it will be expected to be applied in all cases where it is apparent that the applicant is unfamiliar with the proper preparation and prosecution of patent applications.
以上提到,在專利審查過程,若審查員明顯知道有可核准的範圍,應提供一或多個可核准的範圍修正內容,這個動作可以加速審查中的案子,特別是要求提供服務給不熟悉此類程序的獨立發明人(無委託代理人)
II. ALLOWABLE EXCEPT AS TO FORM When an application discloses patentable subject matter and it is apparent from the claims and applicant's arguments that the claims are intended to be directed to such patentable subject matter, but the claims in their present form cannot be allowed because of defects in form or omission of a limitation, the examiner should not stop with a bare objection or rejection of the claims. The examiner's action should be constructive in nature and, when possible, should offer a definite suggestion for correction. Further, an examiner's suggestion of allowable subject matter may justify indicating the possible desirability of an interview to accelerate early agreement on allowable claims. If the examiner is satisfied after the search has been completed that patentable subject matter has been disclosed and the record indicates that the applicant intends to claim such subject matter, the examiner may note in the Office action that certain aspects or features of the patentable invention have not been claimed and that if properly claimed such claims may be given favorable consideration. If a claim is otherwise allowable but is dependent on a canceled claim or on a rejected claim, the Office action should state that the claim would be allowable if rewritten in independent form.
以上提到當專利申請案揭露或是經過答辯、修正而可核准的範圍時,若其中仍有一些缺陷,審查委員不應這樣就提出反駁/異議(objection)或是核駁(rejection),審查意見應該是「具有建設性」,若有可能還要提供確實的建議,甚是提出interview加速核准
III. EARLY ALLOWANCE OF CLAIMS Where the examiner is satisfied that the prior art has been fully developed and some of the claims are clearly allowable, the allowance of such claims should not be delayed. Form paragraphs 7.43, 7.43.01, and 7.43.02 may be used to indicate allowable subject matter.
以上提到,若已具有可核准範圍,不應延遲


最近輔導一個大學實驗室撰寫說明書,老師要求研究生要寫專利,甚至是送件......,立意甚是良好,讓學生接觸這方面,包括技術檢索、研究、說明書撰寫與權利範圍規劃,甚至對寫論文有實質的幫助,或是讓學生「看看」這個行業如何(即使不是去事務所工作,也可以在從事R&D的工作有所幫助)。
但這前期規劃不錯,但是後續問題可能就會接踵而來(還好,「新型」比較少初期的問題)。結論:新型撰寫與送件真是不錯的訓練

之後
只是收到一個「中華民國新型修正」,就發現,要先瞭解審查委員的意見與要求(因為剛接觸的人會對一堆法條沒辦法),之後要填「補充修正申請書」、「劃線版」、「無劃線版」、註記修正時間(要與修正送件日一致)、紙本列印的話還要自己跑智慧局送件,但是又可能發生日期、與原送件格式的誤差...

這時,事務所之正當性就是這些「程序」上的協助吧!

Ron

2012年1月6日 星期五

美國專利局2011年度目標達成率


經過2011,應該各國專利局應該都要有點計畫與期待,並於年底做出檢討
就美國官方數據,去年2011年的目標達成率到91%(就政府效率而言,應該是頗高的吧!):


目標包括:
  1. 提供準時的專利審查
  2. 減少第一次OA的平均時間到10個月(但是並未達成,如下解釋,但這在我的工作實務上算是有感受)
  3. 所有案件平均懸宕時間(pending)為20個月(從申請到核准或拋棄)
  4. 改善專利審查品質(Improve quality of patent examination)
  5. 改善或增進專利訴願與核准後的流程(Improve/enhance patent appeal and post-grant processes)
  6. 優化商標品質與維持進度
  7. 展示對智慧財產發展的全球領導地位(Demonstrate global leadership in all aspects of IP policy development)
  8. 改善資訊基礎設施與工具(是否包括網頁改版?)
  9. 實現運作上財源的延續(包括漲價?增加效率也算是一種節流)
  10. 改善員工與管理者的關係(這點可以增加工作效率)
接著,USPTO也期許繼續達成2010-2015的計畫目標:
大致包括有強化效率、增加專利審查能力、透過增加國際合作(如PPH、雙邊、三邊審查關係)改善專利懸宕問題與審查品質、評估與改善專利品質、改善訴願與核准後程序、發展與實現最終處理程序(包括避免懸宕、國際合作、加速審查等)、保持商標審查時間在2.5到3.5個月(第一次OA)、改善商標品質、確保商標指定商品正確性、利用資訊系統改善效率...等


目標與達成的概要:


Ron

答辯美國專利法第101條的核駁理由

筆記

就已知的方法,
第一:本案有明確與硬體相關的聯繫,可以透過修訂加強這些關係;
第二:其實美國聯邦法院在Bilski判例的看法認為上述測試方式並非唯一判斷是否符合101的方式,但卻是有用的方式之一,此點可以為答辯的方向之一;
第三:需證明本案並非是抽象的概念(abstract idea),此並非針對克服machine-or-transformation測試。
USPTO的備忘錄:要求各審查委員延續目前的審查基準,但仍參考machine-or-transformation test最為判斷process可予專利的判斷工具,並需搭配判斷是否process是個抽象概念。

曾遇到101的核駁理由,審查委員明確認定不通過machine-or-transformation
但目前此案顯然是應用了硬體裝置,可以適當併入一些硬體元件,並答辯說明軟硬體之間「結合」的必要性,並對發明有貢獻
核駁理由如下:

此段說明,審查委員認為僅是使用上的改變,或是限制條件僅描述無關緊要的事件,並不會轉換無專利流程變為可專利,因此併入的硬體條件應要是有意義的限制



Ron

2012年1月3日 星期二

專利檢索與閱讀的好用工具

不少人針對美國專利提供好用又免費的工具

介紹兩個Google Chrome的外掛:
SkyTeam Patent Search:

SkyTeam其實做出了不少好用的Chrome外掛,多半與搜尋方便的目的有關,這個專利搜尋工具安裝後會在Chrome右上角建立一個燈泡樣子的小圖案,點選後會顯示一個搜尋視窗,當鍵入時就會用下拉視窗顯示結果,點了個別專利後就是顯示Google Patent的畫面。好用的地方是在任何情況下點一下就可以檢索!


TikoTac:


TikoTac是個協助閱讀美國專利的好用工具,安裝此外掛後,會在Chrome右上角出現一個螢光筆的小圖案,顯見這是在「畫重點」,利用TikoTac的網頁鍵入美國專利號與相關關鍵字,就會跑出一個highlight重點的畫面:


其實就是針對剛剛鍵入的關鍵字,在文中找出,並highlight出來,並於頁面最上面顯示「整理後」的內容,內容編排根據它的分析前後照顏色顯示!好用的是可以閱讀到重點,縮短讀專利的時間


Ron