AboutRene Hasekamp Expertise I can answer questions about European patent law and practice. My experience mainly lies in the Dutch patent practice.
I am not familiar with other patent systems than the European and Dutch systems, although I am familiar with general issues regarding patents.
Please don`t ask me questions, specific for US patent law or any other non-European patent law.
Experience I have been a patent examiner in the Netherlands Patent Office for 35 years. Now 9 am retired. I still am a deputy judge for patent cases in The Hague's District Court.
Education/Credentials I graduated in Chemistry and Law at Leiden University. I have worked in the Netherlands Patent Office as an examiner for 35 years until my retirement in 2003. I was appointed as a honorary deputy judge for patent cases in 1991. After my retirement I still work at a few cases on patent law in The Hague District Court.
Question Dear Rene,
When drafting my patent application, what are the things that I need to explain in detailed manner? I am sure knowing this will help me conduct better research on my invention. Do you know which good website talks about patenting issues?
Answer You have to explain your invention in such a detailed way, that it can be understood by "the average expert".
So, a complete layman does not have to understand it on one side, but an expert should understand it on the other side.
And, most important, you should disclose your invention complete and –if applicable- include examples that enable the "average expert" to carry out the invention.
These terms are borrowed from European patent law, but these principles are recognized worldwide.
If your application is not complete or clear, and cannot be carried out by an expert, you have no chance to amend it (at least not under European law) and your patent will not be granted.
In the US there is a system of a "Continuation in Part" that can build further on an abandoned application, but I do not know that system. It does not exist in Europe.
I suggest that you consult a patent attorney before you fire your application.
USPTO has a very useful FAQ page, in my opinion, on http://www.uspto.gov/main/faq/
Especially the question "Can you give me some information on companies that can help with my invention?" seems useful for you.
