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Can AI patent an invention?

Mar 5, 2024
The Patent and Trademark Office only recognizes human inventors. Regulators are trying to keep up with tech, says Fordham's Janet Freilich.
Artificial intelligence can't be considered an inventor, but people can use AI to invent new products, says Janet Freilich of Fordham.
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The Apple watch patent battle is the latest in a long war over innovation in America

Dec 20, 2023
Apple is is expected to end sales of two new watches after it lost a patent case. How does this compare to other patent conflicts?
Apple said it would halt the sale of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches as soon as this week.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Patents are about to get more enforceable

Sep 12, 2023
You've probably infringed several patents today.
Patented items are everywhere, and the current system "depends on most people in most situations ignoring patents and ignoring patent infringement," says Janet Freilich, law professor at Fordham University.
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Delays skew patent system in favor of big corporations, some inventors say

Jun 16, 2022
It can take years for a patent to be granted, unless the inventor can pony up extra cash for expedited handling.
The first patent was granted in 1790. Since then, the Patent and Trademark Office has issued about 11 million.
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Waiving patents on COVID-19 vaccines no magic pill for shortage

May 6, 2021
Global vaccine distribution also depends on access to information and having enough production plants.
To ensure that lifting patent restrictions has an impact, vaccine companies need to share know-how with manufacturers around the world.
Mohd Arhaan Archer/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. backs waiving patent protections for COVID vaccines

Changing international property rules requires unanimous agreement from nations that are part of the World Trade Organization.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Could waiving patents increase the global supply of COVID-19 vaccines?

Apr 30, 2021
Advocates for waiving say letting countries make generic vaccines would help. Skeptics say it's not that simple.
Right now, we don't have nearly enough vaccine supply for the world. A big reason for that is patents, said Amy Kapczynski, a law professor at Yale.
Ariana Drehsler/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Apple, Qualcomm settle lawsuits, paving way for 5G iPhone

Apr 17, 2019
Apple had sued the chip maker for almost $30 billion.
A Qualcomm chip.
David Becker/Getty Images

FDA website to post names of drug makers blocking development of cheaper generics

May 17, 2018
The FDA plans to unveil a website today naming pharmaceutical companies that have blocked the development of generic drugs by failing to provide samples to competitors. This public posting is part of FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s larger crackdown to, as he says, “end the shenanigans” by brand name drug companies. Click the audio player above […]

Someone probably owns most of the things you say

Feb 15, 2018
And that's a problem for people naming new businesses.
Visual Hunt