Technology on the Move: The Role of Patents

Abstract

Abstract It is well occasionally to examine the trends in inventive activity that are likely to change the way we live-and perhaps how long we live. The rate of patenting is generally accepted as an indicator of national and inter national technological trends. A look at patenting activity in the U.S. patent system tells us a lot. It’s clear that microelectronics, telecommunications, computers, robotics, and biotechnology continue to be among the fastest growing areas. Deep within the research labs of companies, both big and small, and in private labs and workshops throughout the land, is the real creative resource-the inventor. We still depend heavily on the lone inventor and on the patent attorney who helps to bring inventions to the marketplace. Many large companies sprang from an inventor’s single creative thought.