It is not my business, I was just recounting what he said, I
believe he did say non-disclosures had been signed. I
suggest you contact Paul directly apms@geet.com
SWB wrote:
>
> Hi Jerry,
>
> The first question that comes to mind, about Mr. Pantone's dilemma is:
>
> How is that legally possible for someone to get a patent, on someone
> else's invention, that was demonstrated to him so many years ago?
>
> It really isn't, according to patent law.
>
> The way it reads, is that you have one year to file for a patent, from
> the date that you first make your invention known to the public. After
> that, it is in the public domain, and even the inventor has lost all
> rights to a patent on that device.
>
> Unfortunately, if Paul did not document the demonstration properly, or
> have the observers sign a nondisclosure agreement, then he is up a creek
> legally; as even he is past his bar date for filing on his own
> invention. And, if the infringer challenges him in court down the line,
> Paul will lose.
>
> Even if he doesn't want to go to court, Paul may be able to dispense
> with this whole thing, with a sufficiently nasty letter from his lawyer,
> and by sending a copy of the documentation to the guy's patent examiner.
> That guy's patent may be revoked, or he himself may relinquish it out of
> a fear, and a guilty conscience.
>
> I would be happy to discuss this at length, (from my layman's point of
> view), off the list, with anyone who is interested.
>
> SWB
-- Jerry Wayne Decker - jdecker@keelynet.com http://www.keelynet.com from an Art to a Science Voice : (214)324-8741 - FAX : (214)324-3501 KeelyNet - PO BOX 870716 Mesquite - Republic of Texas - 75187------------------------------------------------------------- To leave this list, email <listserver@keelynet.com> with the body text: leave Interact list archives and on line subscription forms are at http://keelynet.com/interact/ -------------------------------------------------------------