Patents and Innovation

Summary

The McNair Center Project on Patents and Innovation reports on the current issues facing America's patent system. In addition to providing basic information on patent institutions and legislation, the project will specifically investigate proposed reform acts and the effects of patent trolling in litigation.

Works in Progress

• The academic paper on patent trolls explores their role in patent activity and litigation in America. Additionally, the paper will expound several hypotheses regarding the definition of a patent troll and the efficacy of reform legislation.
• The Patent Thicket Literature Review Paper seeks to formally define the term patent thicket by analyzing and condensing the seven proposed definitions.

Future Work

• An academic paper investigating the challenges and the inequalities a small business, or the "Little Guy", faces in patent litigation.
• A Wiki Page providing basic information and well as criticism on the U.S. Patent Office.
• An issue brief analyzing the success and the shortcomings of current patent reform acts.