I was listening to Science Friday and heard this interesting discussion of getting patents and where to find resources. Here's the link to the 17 minute podcast.

Science Friday: Getting a patent at any age!

Here's the article that accompanies the podcast.

...and here is a link to the US Patent and Trademark Office....

Here is your assignment:

What intrigued you about Amanda's interview and her experience? It is an impressive project to be sure.

What are the three kinds of patents and how are they different?

How would you summarize the broad features of the patent application process?.

Go search the patent database for something you're interested in and look at a couple. What do you think of the quality and uniqueness of the objects which have been patented? What was the most interesting patent you found (include front page of patent)? Do you think you might patent something someday?

Do you feel like you know where to start if you want to consider a patent for one of your fabulous ideas?