In this issue: Patent Strategies for Gaming Companies Helped by Faster Patent Examination Options; and Michigan Gaming Revenues Improve in 2011- Michigan Gaming Control Board Releases Calendar Year 2011 and December 2011 Revenue Data.
Excerpt from 'Patent Strategies...'A successful patent procurement strategy can go a long way toward helping companies compete in the gaming industry. Obtaining a patent for a new invention, such as a game or casino-related equipment, can help the patent owner maintain market share by preventing competitors from utilizing the invention. The patent owner can also grant licenses under the invention for a royalty. Utilizing patents in this fashion can generate revenue and help a company stay healthy in the competitive gaming industry.
The implementation of a successful patent procurement strategy depends heavily on the ability to obtain patents covering new technologies within a reasonable period of time. Currently, a considerable backlog exists within the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) that has significantly delayed the issuance of patents over the last decade. According to published PTO statistics, the average pendency time of a patent application from filing to issuance is about three years. (United States Patent and Trademark Office, Performance and Accountability Report Fiscal Year 2011.)
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