Patent Searching
November 14, 2008 by Andrew P. Lahser, Phoenix Patent Attorney
A patentability search helps an inventor determine whether the scope of available patent protection may be a worthwhile business risk. The “prior art” is searched for earlier inventions. The prior art is analyzed and compared to the invention to determine how the invention might be novel (new). The novel elements of the invention will [Read more]
What is Bank of America’s Patent Pending “Keep the Change” Invention?
February 24, 2008 by Andrew P. Lahser, Scottsdale Patent Attorney
In 2005, Bank of America began an advertising campaign. By enrolling in “Keep the Change,” every time you buy something with your debit card, the bank rounds up your purchase to the nearest dollar amount and transfers the difference from your checking to your savings account free of charge. Then, the ad explains that the bank will contribute the same amount to your Bank of America savings account, doubling the savings for a limited time. The last few words of the radio commercial and the web site are patent pending. What does Bank of America believe is new and patentable about this? [Read more]