Understanding Patent Law: A Beginner's Guide

In fiscal year 2008, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) received 456,321 utility patent applications. Understanding Patent Law: A Beginner's Guide explores the mechanics of the patent application process. Linda A. Tancs provides readers with an introduction to the nature and function of intellectual property law as it relates to patents and offers step-by-step guidance on how to register a patent with the PTO. In addition, the readers will gain an understanding of: the types of property that may be patented; how to protect and use patented property; the process for filing a utility patent application; pre- and post-issuance procedures; how to monetize patents; and infringement issues.

The appendices, together with the bibliography and recommended reading section, provide readers of this Almanac with relevant statutes and other information to further the reader's knowledge of the matters discussed in this book. The glossary contains a summary of key terms defined throughout the book. This user-friendly resource is essential for anyone seeking an introduction to patent law.

LINDA A. TANCS has extensive experience as a transactional attorney in both corporate and private practice, concentrating in intellectual property, entertainment, information technology, e-commerce and general business matters. Ms. Tancs holds a Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, New Jersey. She is admitted to practice in several jurisdictions in the United States as well as internationally.

Ms. Tancs managed the worldwide trademark portfolio of leading industrial and consumer products companies and regularly counseled in-house attorneys, executives and small business owners on all aspects of intellectual property acquisition and enforcement. She won first place for a meritorious paper on copyright law submitted in ASCAP's Nathan Burkan Memorial Competition at Seton Hall Law School. Ms. Tancs is the author of Understanding Trademark Law: A Beginner's Guide, and Understanding Copyright Law: A Beginner's Guide, other legal almanacs in the series.

Ms. Tancs has held leadership positions in bar associations, taught legal courses at two colleges and has authored several articles for legal periodicals and general interest magazines. She operates her own consulting practice in the field of brand identification and management and offers dispute resolution services in the nature of mediation for complex commercial matters, including intellectual property disputes. She is also certified as a coach in the fields of personal, executive and organizational coaching by New York University and works with both lawyers and nonlawyers to meet their personal and professional goals.