The Future

As a student studying computer science, I believe that there is a high probability I will work in a company or organization that will itself have a large patent portfolio that I would like to contribute to. Regardless of whether I work in a large company or by myself, I believe that not only will IP be a significant part of where I work, but I hope to be related directly to the patents themselves. With the knowledge I have learned from this class, I know small things like software programs can be enveloped in computers to be patented, when to patent, and how I should patent. In terms of when, I know I want to file immediately as the idea comes to me. In terms of how to patent, I know the three criteria to be wary of when filing a patent. Through Dr. Kasznik’s guest lecture I learned that not patenting an innovative idea could lead to a very large financial and strategic loss and that one’s IP portfolio can simply be enough to keep the company financially afloat or even valuable.

Along with working to create new patents, I have learned that there are "patent-terrorists" out to get everyone. As I hope to join or create a start-up one day, these are so-called terrorists or patent trolls that often target start-ups to gain money from them. Not only have I learned to be cautious when dealing with patent trolls, but also how to fight them through Drew Curtis' Ted Talk. 

I believe the culmination of all the material we learned in class has taught me to not only respect intellectual property, but realize its value and significance in the world today. 

Thank you for a wonderful semester Professor Lavian!