Story of 14-year-old patentee

One recalls the method of swinging on a swing patent (U.S. 6,368,227) that became of interest during the patent reform discussion. [See for example Kimberly A. Moore, Worthless Patents, 20 Berkeley Tech. L.J. 1521, 1525 (2005)] The invention was by a child of a patent attorney.

From the Times-Picayune via Newhouse:

Cassidy Goldstein was 11 years old when she came up with an idea to make it easier to color with nearly used-up crayon stubs: crayon holders made from the plastic tubes used to keep flowers fresh. Goldstein, now about to start her sophomore year at Syracuse University, was honored recently as Youth Inventor of the Year for her idea, which has been patented and is for sale online and at some stores. Cassidy Goldstein's patent was approved when she was 14.

In 2003, Norm Goldstein, her father, founded and became president and chief executive officer of By Kids For Kids, a Stamford, Conn., company that helps children and their parents in patenting and commercialization.

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Of patent reform, KCPW had reported: In its current form, the Hatch-Leahy bill seeks to increase patent quality and international harmonization, while decreasing unwarranted or abusive patent litigation. The Senate Judiciary Committee may consider the bill as early as September, while similar legislation is making its way through the House.

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In the attempt by PubPat and FTCR to invalidate the Thomson / WARF patents on stem cells in re-exam, PubPat argued that once a recipe for mouse stem cells was known, making human stem cells became obvious. Would PubPat argue that once chalk extenders were known, crayon extenders were obvious? If so, would PubPat file a re-exam request on Cassidy Goldstein's patent?


[IPBiz post 1958]