Fredrikson Goes to the Fair: Patent Office "Technology Fair," That Is
By: PHILIP M. GOLDMAN & ERIC J. SNUSTAD
December 2003
This past summer, the Patent group at Fredrikson & Byron arranged for several of our industry-leading clients to speak about their work at “Technology Fairs” held by the U.S. Patent Office. These Fairs are held annually by respective technology centers at the Patent Office to educate Examiners. The Examiners learn about present and future trends from a perspective that is far different than, and yet complements, the continuing technical education the Examiners receive by reviewing patent applications. The Fairs typically include a fascinating array of industry representatives, speaking at concurrent sessions during a single, information-packed day at the Patent Office training center in Crystal City, Virginia.
Fredrikson patent attorneys John Dolan and Eric Snustad accompanied client representatives (Klaus Hartig, Annette Krisko, and Al Slavich) from Cardinal Glass Industries (see photo) at the Fair for Technology Center 1700. This Center deals with inventions in chemical and materials engineering, including window coating and glass-making technologies. Having himself served as a Patent Office Examiner, Dolan has been instrumental in building Fredrikson’s strong working relationship with the Patent Office. Phil Goldman arranged for clients Dr. Jeffrey Felt, on behalf of Advance BioSurfaces, Inc., and Dr. Dan Mooradian, on behalf of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc., to present to respective groups of Examiners in Technology Center 3600. Technology Center 3600 handles inventions in transportation, construction, agriculture, and national security. With Goldman in attendance, Drs. Felt and Mooradian were each able to speak to several dozen Examiners, in an informational and mutually beneficial setting.
Jim Haller arranged for client Wilson Tool (Glen Shuldes) to present to Examiners in Technology Center 3700, which deals with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and products, including inventions pertaining to industrial press brakes, turret presses, and related tooling.
Presentations such as these allow industry representatives, and Fredrikson clients in particular, to meet Examiners and other patent office employees and to provide insights into their respective industries. The Examiners benefit by receiving continuing education on what truly is the cutting edge of the specific technology areas in which they work. Client presenters benefit as well, by having a chance to educate the Examining corps in a general manner, of course without specific reference to any of their particular pending patent applications, but in a manner that will hopefully benefit the examination of those and all patent applications.
The Fair helps build rapport with the Patent Office generally, and with the specific Examiners with whom the client presenters and Fredrikson patent attorneys work. All of this helps both sides (the Patent Office and the applicants/attorneys) work more effectively together during the patent prosecution process. This furthers the overall goal of the patent system – to encourage and reward innovation.