How to invent and protect your invention : a guide to patents for scientists and engineers / Joseph P. Kennedy and Wayne H. Watkins with Elyse N. Ball.

The U.S. Patent System -- Origins of U.S. Patent Law -- How to Invent: Intellectual Aspects of Inventing -- A Short Summary of Intellectual Property -- Requirements of Patentability -- How does the Patent Process Work? -- Infringement and Freedom to Operate -- Biotechnology, Computer Software, and Business Method Patents -- Who is the Inventor? -- Ownership -- Translating Ideas into Economic Reward -- Foreign Patents -- Innovation -- Concluding Thoughts -- Appendix 1: Important Forms -- Appendix 2: Self-Assessment Questions.

Includes bibliographical references and index.