Kernel Creations, Ltd. Receives First Ever Patent to Generate Patent Applications

Business Wire,  April 13, 2000  

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Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2000

This patent marks the first time the United States Patent Office

has issued a patent for an invention used to create

a patent application.

Kernel Creations, Ltd. ("Kernel") today announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office ("PTO") has issued a patent (US patent number 6,049,811) for technology relating to Kernel's PatentPro(TM) software package.

The patent covers PatentPro(TM), which is used by inventors to create patent applications without the need for a patent attorney. The PTO has never before issued a patent for technology used to write a patent application.

"PatentPro is the only product in the world that can claim to have patented itself," said Kernel CEO James Petruzzi. "The technology was actually used to write the patent application for the technology. PatentPro is a boon for independent inventors and small or medium sized businesses."

This patent is a "first ever" for the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The PTO has never issued a patent related to a system used for writing a patent application. The PTO's determination of patentability revolves around the unique PatentPro system for automatic generation of patent application sections after a user has given input about the invention. PatentPro(TM) is software, which walks the user through the patent application process with ease and at a fraction of the cost of hiring a patent attorney. After the user has completed all steps, the software produces a properly formatted patent application suitable for submitting to the PTO.

The Federal Circuit's State Street decision permitting business ideas to be patented and the meteoric rise in patenting due to the Internet has made access to the patent system all the more important for start-ups. Software patents have been controversial lately since Amazon.com (Nasdaq:AMZN) patented its "1-click ordering" and "affiliate programs" features. The controversy spurred Timothy O'Reilly, president and CEO of computer book publisher O'Reilly and Associates, to place an open letter on the company's website stating opposition to broad software patents that "hold back further innovation." The PTO sees no end in sight granting over 200,000 patents a year and growing.

"Amazon's patents clearly show that smaller businesses need to engage in patent protection. Cost and an aversion to using attorneys often impede inventors from seeking protection. Many smaller entities often do not protect their intellectual property as well as possible," said Kernel President Robert Mason. "Kernel's patented technology is an ideal low cost solution to solve this problem. It levels the playing field often dominated by giants. PatentPro's power enhances competition and spurs innovation. The PTO's recognition of the innovation of this patent shows the legitimacy of software patents."

Kernel Creations(sm), Ltd. is a privately held company, based in Dallas, Texas, specializing in innovative solutions for protecting intellectual property and investigating patentable ideas. It was co-founded by James Petruzzi and Robert Mason. James Petruzzi is a registered patent attorney and has first hand experience with the enforceability of patents through his litigation practice. Robert Mason, also a registered patent attorney and litigator, is on the board of directors of the United Inventors Association of the United States of America (UIA-USA), an association of inventor groups. Kernel launched the first version of its flagship product, PatentPro(TM), in 1997 and is under development with additional products for patent searching and invention documentation for corporate users. PatentPro(TM) has been favorably reviewed by inventor magazines and consultants and is marketed to individual inventors, small and medium sized businesses, patent agents, attorneys, and educators.

Information on PatentPro(TM) can be found at Kernel's website: http://www.4patpro.com.

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