We recently discussed Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Trade Secrets in our class. We have also discussed the strategic importance of each. We learned from our guest speaker that there is quite a backlog at the patent office.
We have also discussed collaboration, and the importance of collaboration to innovation. One of the tools for collaboration is the WIKI
A recent article in FORTUNE entitled: "Patent Review Goes WIKI" suggested that one of the ways to reduce the backlog is to use a WIKI. MICROSOFT and IBM both endorse the concept according to the article.
What do you think of the concept?
What is your favorite use of a WIKI?
What do you think about using WIKIs for Innovation?
Gene A. Wright
Friday, November 10, 2006
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2 comments:
Although Wiki is putting an emphasis on quality, there is always a risk using an encyclopedia that allows anyone to edit it. I admit that I’ve checked Wikipedia on everything from the Big Bang Theory to Walmart, but I can’t imagine using it as a reference.
Instead of allowing Wikipedia as a source, the USPTO may take the Wiki concept and use it in a pilot program for patent review. This is in an effort to decrease the backlog and burden on examiners. Users of the system would be allowed to weigh in on a patent under review similar to the same way you can add to Wikipedia. Of course, this includes competitors, so to alleviate sabotaging, the program has a rating system and the examiner receives only the highest rated posts. If all goes well, it looks like the system will roll out in 2007.
Using WIKI as a starting reference point... Yes. Verifying if the information is valid... Most definately.
My personal favortire use of a WIKI is to search for infomation and images.
-Sameer Mustafa
I like the idea of using a wiki for the patent review process is a great idea. Every engineer has seen a patent on something that already has been done. Obviously the patent examiner would have the last say in the review, but they would have a great source of information to start with.
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