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USPTO

IBM Is (Still) the Patent King in the U.S. [Video]

BY Kit Eaton | 01-10-2011 | 8:45 AM | INNOVATION

For the 18th straight year IBM has emerged as the most prolific patent providers in the U.S. And Big Blue grew the number it owns by an impressive 20% in 2010. That wasn't the fastest growth, however: Apple was tops there.READ MORE›

Patent Reform, Still Pending

BY David Zax | 12-01-2010 | 10:46 AM | ETHONOMICS

It has taken tentative steps in the right direction, with new ambitions to streamline the process and reduce backlog. But until legislation liberates the patent office, its mismanagement continues to amount to a tax on small businesses, say critics.READ MORE›

U.S. Patent Office's Green Tech Fast Track Program Expands Its Reach

BY Ariel Schwartz | 05-24-2010 | 11:59 AM | ETHONOMICS

The United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) Green Technology Pilot Program, launched in December to fast track green tech patent applications, has been good to many companies--Skyline Solar, for example, received a ...READ MORE›

Skyline Solar Gets Fast-Tracked Through the USPTO Green Tech Program

BY Ariel Schwartz | 05-06-2010 | 7:49 AM | ETHONOMICS

We had high hopes when the U.S. Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced in December a pilot program to fast track certain green tech patent applications. So what kind of crazy, innovative technology is ...READ MORE›

Apple's Multitouch Plans Mean Fingers Dancing on Touchscreens

BY Kit Eaton | 04-28-2010 | 7:56 AM | INNOVATION

Apple's just been granted an important patent on multitouch gestures. This almost ends the debate on who "owns" multitouch, and simultaneously gives us a glimpse into how we'll interact with slate PCs and touchscreens in the future.As ...READ MORE›