by Dennis Crouch
Jeff Schox recently sent me a copy of his new book on patent law: Not So Obvious: An Introduction to Patent Law and Strategy
. Schox uses the $39 paperback for the patent class he teaches to Stanford engineering students. The book is written in plain language and is clearly designed to be read by engineers wanting a first-cut understanding of the patent system and its purpose. In addition to patentability and infringement, the book also includes a nice chapter on inventorship and ownership rights.
In the past, I have often recommended the "Patent it Yourself
" book by David Pressman to inventors and others wanting to better understand the process. The problem with Pressman's book is that it has become so lengthy (596 pages) that it is no longer an easy resource for those more casually involved in the system. Schox book likely fills that gap. (PIY is still a great resource for those more deeply involved in prosecution.)
Do others have recommendations of patent law resources for inventors who want to better understand the system without actually becoming patent agents?
