Are you a Mac user? If so, take a look at the power cord that’s currently connecting your laptop to a wall outlet. See that giant white square? Notice how the plug part flips out of it to create a seamless connection that can be easily stored when not in use? How about the way the part that connects to the MacBook itself is magnetized, making it easy to plug in, even when you’re not looking? You are looking at the work of the late, iconic Apple CEO Steve Jobs. This power cord design, along with countless other designs for the iPhone, iPod, iMac and even a glass staircase used in several Apple Store locations, are all patents held by Jobs. Today, nearly 11 years after his death, anyone who attempts to appropriate any of the technical and design elements used in his 313 patents faces litigation. This is the power of the patent.
Patenting a physical product is one thing, but patenting an idea is another altogether. Software platforms, data storage, information processing and other applications are protected by internet patents, also known as business method patents. These special patents offer protection for conducting business in a particular way. Unlike patents for the physical aspects of technology, like those obtained by Jobs, internet technology patents protect intellectual assets, such as a particular concept or a process, preventing other companies from using them as their own.
Of course, even the most iron-clad internet technology patent isn’t going to dissuade every company from trying to replicate the secret sauce, so to speak. However, it can be a lot more difficult to prove in a court of law that a patented process, idea or concept was used by another company than it can be to prove that a physical piece of technology was replicated in an unauthorized manner. This is where an internet technology patents expert witness comes in.
What is an Internet Technology Patents Expert Witness?
A company filing a lawsuit for patent violation would be well-advised to retain a witness with significant expertise in technology patents and the Internet in general. This expert witness would present testimony during a court hearing to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the patent was violated by the competing business. An expert witness would need to use their skill, knowledge and reputation to convince a jury that patent infringement occurred.
While anyone with a solid background in information technology, as well as reputable credentials for being an expert in Internet technology patents, can be hired as an expert witness, it helps to have a witness with substantive credentials, such as publications on the subject, to their name. Choosing an SEO expert witness with a background in Internet technology patents, for example, would be a prudent choice.
Patenting an invention, whether physical or conceptual, is an important first step in ensuring that no competing company will try to replicate your success. However, by taking the next steps in securing an Internet technology patents expert witness in the event of a lawsuit, you can be sure that your idea is well-protected for the future.
