The Rising Size and Complexity of the Patent Document

Crouch, Dennis D.

doi:10.2139/ssrn.1095810

Abstract

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The Rising Size and Complexity of the Patent Document

Dennis D. Crouch

University of Missouri School of Law

February 20, 2008

University of Missouri School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2008-04

Abstract:
This short concept essay introduces two separate studies showing that US patents are increasing in size and complexity. The first study looks at how the length of the patent specification has increased dramatically in the period from 1987-2007. (The results show little change from 1977-1987). The second study looks at the number of claims in each patent and shows that those are on the rise as well.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 4

Keywords: Patent, Prosecution, Word Count, Intellectual Property

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Date posted: February 20, 2008 ; Last revised: March 16, 2008

Suggested Citation

Crouch, Dennis D., The Rising Size and Complexity of the Patent Document (February 20, 2008). University of Missouri School of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2008-04. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1095810 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1095810

Contact Information

Dennis D. Crouch (Contact Author)

University of Missouri School of Law ( email )

Missouri Avenue & Conley Avenue
Columbia, MO 65211
United States