Patent Fundamentals for Scientists and Engineers, Second Edition

Rating:
Summary: Basic concepts in patent law covered by book.
Review: This book covers the fundamental aspects of patents. The main emphasis is on the US patent system, with a lesser amount of material on Canadian and international patents in general. After a brief history of the patent system, major chapters cover, specifics of the US patent system, Canadian patent system, what are the requirements for an invention to be patented, interpretation of patents as technical literature, patents as legal documents, and what information is needed to defend a patent.
Summary information of the major steps in the current US patent procedurses is outlined. Along with this, a basic glossary rounds out the books contents.
Overall, the material is presented in a clear and consistent pattern. Not a lot of depth of discussion is presented in any one area. The author's intent was to give a brief introduction to the entire area of patents, their uses, limitations, and requirements rather than delve into the arcania of specifics.
The main audience is technical professionals that need a brief background introduction to some of the major concepts involved. The majority of examples are taken from chemical process, substance, and method patents