In this lecture, we will first explain the position and influence of patents in corporate research and development activities, and explain the series of processes from patent application to patent registration. Next, we will explain that an invention is a new combination of technical ideas and various elements, and explain that the requirements for patentability are industrial applicability, novelty, and inventive step. In addition, after explaining employee inventions and foreign patents, we will also explain the points of how to write specifications and invention proposals that are necessary when applying for a patent, and at least aim to become a person who "shines with intellectual property" in the real society.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Explain that an important embodiment of the Management of Technology (MOT) is a patent.
2) Explain that the subject of a patent is an invention (i.e., a technical concept).
3) Explain that all of science students may be an inventor, as long as they have a "prepared mind".
4) Begin to build a patent-relating career (i.e., an inventor, or a staff in the intellectual property division of enterprise).
✔ Applicable | How instructors' work experience benefits the course |
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This course was taught by an instructor who has practical experience related to a large number of patents as a patent attorney at a patent office, utilizing his practical experience. This course provides how to use of intellectual property from the understanding of patentable inventions, specific and practical knowledge for patent system, to writing the specification of patent. Students will be able to use the intellectual property as the leader of a company's research and development department in the future. |
intellectual property, patent right, invention, requirements of patent, employee's invention, novelty, inventive step, foreign patent, patent application
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
At the end of each class, a simple and practical "inventive idea" is discussed in a group, in order to realize a practice of "making an invention" or "preparing a proposal of invention".
Course schedule | Required learning | |
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Class 1 | A summary of MOT (Management of Technology) and "product-life cycle", and the influence of a patent right. | Explain the positioning of patent in the R&D activities of an enterprise and influence thereof. |
Class 2 | "The intellectual property rights" in national laws, and the positioning of a "patent right". | Explain the civil law as the fundamental law of the property right and the positioning of intellectual property right, and patent right. |
Class 3 | A summary of the patent system, a series of flow of patent application filing→publication of application→substantial examination→registration of patent. | Explain a series of activities constituting a flow from patent application filing to registration of patent. |
Class 4 | An invention or technical idea, and a novel combination of elements. | Explain that an "invention" as an immaterial technical idea is a novel combination of various elements, and show what the practical meanings of the "invention" are. |
Class 5 | Major requirements of patent, i.e., industrial applicability, novelty and inventive step. | Explain the practical meanings of major requirements of patent, i.e., industrial applicability, novelty and inventive step. |
Class 6 | A summary of "employee's invention" and "foreign patent systems". | Explain the practical meanings of "employee's invention" as an important knowledge of a researcher, and a summary of foreign patent systems. |
Class 7 | Points of how to prepare a "specification" for filing a patent application, and a "proposal of invention", in English. | Explain points of how to prepare a "specification" for filing patent application, and a "proposal of invention" to be connected to the patent application. |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to other course material.
Course materials will be provided.
Hirose, Takayuki. Kigyoujin-Daigakujinn-no-tameno-Titekizaisanken-Nyuumon: Tokyo Kagaku doujinn; ISBN-13: 978-4807907564. (Japanese)
Presentation of small invention and its availability as patent 50%, and final report 50%
None in particular.
(Iino) Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.