Can an Internet Reference Be a “Printed Publication”?
Joanna Toke Much of the information to the public is provided by the Internet today. The Internet has also become increasingly popular among researchers who now turn to it for articles, journals, and online databases. Therefore, the question of whether an Internet reference is a “printed publication” is critical for today’s inventors, patent attorneys, and judges. It is important for inventors and patent attorneys because they decide whether to pursue a patent based on the existing prior art. It is likewise important for judges because judges may be asked to resolve a dispute where the party challenging a patent’s validity...