FEBRUARY 2004
Finance companies rush to patent business methods
Bradley Lytle and Philippe Signore examine how finance-related companies are obtaining and enforcing business method patents in the US, and explain why portfolios of such patents are becoming essential for many companies
While the European Commission is considering whether business
methods are patentable subject matter, companies are busy obtaining
and enforcing patents on business methods in the US. Whether they
know it yet or not, finance-related companies, such as banks,
brokerage firms, and insurance companies are especially affected by
the recent surge in US business method patents. Companies that
understand the power of exclusive legal rights are mining their
businesses for inventions and are increasingly investing in
business method patents that cover these inventions.
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