| Abstrakt: |
The common opinion that patents in general, independent of the field, give more reliable and rapid information than other sources is refuted. Examples are cited showing that the major inventions had been signalized in general technical publications (such as science newsletters, journals, etc.) long before the patent was taken out (two or three years and more). Descriptions of inventions are very often sent to journals simultaneously with applications to the patent offices and published prior to the latter even in countries with direct granting of patents (france, italy, belgium). The reasons for the priority rates of publication in journals are analyzed as depending on the field concerned and the patent practices (legislation) existing in the country. The assertion that data on inventions given in journal announcements and articles is of an advertising nature is contended. Such items frequently carry detailed descriptions, calculations, diagarams and drawings which enable one to reproduce the novelty described. The limited informative value of the patent claims of the format adopted in the u.s.s.r., f.r.g. And a number of other countries is noted, which perform more of a legal function rather than being truly informative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
