Sponsored by: MIT Sloan School of Management

An intensive introduction to the basic provisions of U.S. patent law, emphasizing the requirements for patentability and the process of applying for a patent. Designed for students in all MIT departments.

Topics include:

• Requirements for a patentable invention (novelty, non-obviousness, utility)
• Eligible classes of patentable invention (software? business methods? human genes?)
• Applying for a patent (including patent searches and the language of patent claims)
• New U.S. law of inventor priority (first to invent? first to file? first to disclose, or what?)
• Infringement, defenses, and remedies
• Patents compared with copyrights, trade secrets, and trademarks

Details

January 14–28, 2019

Remaining course schedule:

Obtaining a Patent

Wednesday, January 23
2:00–4:00 pm
E51-151

The process of applying for a patent. Contents of the patent application, especially the specification. The role of the patent search. Demonstration of on-line search tools available to MIT students.

Patent Claims and Patent Licenses

Friday, January 25
2:00–4:00 pm
E51-151

Patent claims as property boundaries. The scope, language, and structure of patent claims. Patent licenses and the MIT Technology Licensing Office.

Infringement, Defenses, and Remedies

Monday, January 28
2:00–4:00 pm
E51-151

Literal infringement and the doctrine of equivalents. Patent invalidity and other defenses. Legal and equitable remedies. Anatomy of a recent patent infringement case.

This course meets with 15.620, which offers 3 units of G credit (graded P/D/F). Students who wish to receive credit should register for 15.620 and plan to take a comprehensive quiz in the final class meeting on Jan. 30.

Reading materials include key sections of the U.S. patent statute (Title 35, U.S. Code) and related judicial decisions. All readings and lecture slides will be posted on the 15.620 Stellar/Canvas websites. No textbooks or course packs to purchase. For the benefit of non-credit participants, the MIT community will have access to the 15.620 websites throughout IAP.

Contact: Jeffrey Meldman, 617 253-4932, jmeldman@mit.edu

For more information, visit the IAP website.