| All subject
matter sought to be patented must be a "useful" process, machine,
manufacture or composition of matter, i.e., it must have a practical
application. The purpose of this requirement is to limit patent
protection to inventions that possess a certain level of "real
world" value, as opposed to subject matter that represents only
an idea or concept, or is simply a starting point for future investigation
or research. Furthermore, the utility of an invention must be
within the "technological" arts.
The attorneys of BSTZ have always taken great care to ensure that any patent
application that describes a computer-related invention (i.e.,
so-called "software patents") is within the technological arts.
We work with inventors to determine what a programmed computer
does when it performs the processes dictated by its software.
This often involves determining how the computer is to be configured
to provide that functionality, and if applicable, determining
the relationship of the programmed computer to subject matter
outside the computer such as machines, devices, materials, or
process steps that constitute the invention.
In addition to software, BSTZ's attorneys have experience in computer hardware
design, testing and manufacture. We prepare and prosecute patent
applications relating to inventions in these fields daily and
our knowledge of such subject matter ranges from computer micro-architecture
to programmable devices to magnetic and other storage technologies
and more.
|
