I am particularly seeking input from patent attorneys, examiners, lawyers, and other professionals who regularly engage with patent claims in mechanical, electrical, electronic and related fields. Whether you are formally qualified and registered, or have developed relevant expertise through other roles (such as patent examination or in-house IP management), your experience in evaluating patent claims would be invaluable to my research. While experience with claims drafted according to common US practice would be especially useful – since my source data is drawn primarily from US patents – expertise in any major English-language jurisdiction would be welcome.
The task itself is straightforward and web-based – I am asking participants to compare pairs of patent claims and evaluate their relative scope, using an online application that I have designed and implemented over the past few months. No special knowledge is required beyond the ability to read and understand patent claims in technical fields with which you are familiar. You might even find it to be fun!
If interested, please read the remainder of this article, which comprises the call for participation in the research project, as approved by the University of Melbourne Human Ethics Committee. It also includes links to the web site where you can read more about the project and register to participate.