Chapter Ten: Acquiring Patent Rights
Introduction

A. Disclosing and Claiming the Invention

O’Reilly v. Morse

Comments

Comparative Perspective: The Enablement Requirement in Europe and TRIPS

Policy Perspective: Optimal Claim Scope and Patent Law’s Delicate Balance

B. Statutory Bars

1. On-Sale Bar

Space Systems/Loral, Inc. v. Lockheed Martin Corp.

Comments

2. Public-Use Bar

Egbert v. Lippmann

Comments

Problem

Comparative Perspective: Statutory Bars in Europe and Japan

3. Experimental Use

Lough v. Brunswick Corporation

Comments

Problem

4. “Printed Publication”

In re Klopfenstein

Comment

C. Novelty

1. Proving Date of Invention

Problem

2. “Known or Used”

Rosaire v. Baroid Sales Division

Comments

Comparative Perspective: Defining Prior Art and Geographic Limitations

3. Priority

Fujikawa v. Wattanasin

Comments

Comparative Perspective: First-to-Invent versus First-to-File

D. Non-Obviousness

1. The Graham Test

Comments

Comparative Perspective: Section 103’s European Counterpart – “Inventive Step”

2. Combining References

McGinley v. Franklin Sports, Inc.

Comments

E. Utility

In re Swartz

Comments

F. Statutory Subject Matter

Comparative Perspective: Subject Matter Eligibility Under the European Patent Convention

1. Biotechnology-Related Inventions

Diamond v. Chakrabarty

Comments

Comparative Perspective: Patentable Subject Matter, Morality, and Biotechnology in Europe

2. Software and Business Methods

State Street Bank and Trust Co. v. Signature Financial Group, Inc.

Comments

Comparative Perspective: Software and Business Method Patents in Europe

Note on Design Patents

Note on Plant Patents