Fourth Quarter 2012 Rochester Patent Index Released

ROCHESTER, NY (01/31/2013)(readMedia)-- Hoffman Warnick LLC (HW), an intellectual property law firm with offices in Albany, Rochester, and Boston has released the Rochester Patent Index for Fourth Quarter (4Q) 2012. The "Rochester Patent Index" includes both (1) patent issuances and (2) patent applications filed for Monroe and Ontario Counties with and without the contributions of XEROX and KODAK.

Until 4th Quarter of 2012, the total of issuances and filings from Rochester largely followed the national trend. However, while the national numbers changed very little from Q3 to Q4, Rochester's numbers dropped a bit. Removing Xerox and Kodak issuances and filings, there was actually a significant increase in issuances and filings from other patentees. Rochester filings overall dropped, while filings not considering Kodak and Xerox increased by a larger amount than the overall drop. On the other hand, issuances overall slightly increased, while issuances to those other than Kodak and Xerox dropped slightly. This may indicate that Kodak is finishing prosecution of already-filed patent applications while reducing new filings, which is consistent with their ongoing situation. Even so, compared to a year ago, all the numbers are higher, but the most marked change is in the number of filings, particularly by those other than Kodak and Xerox. The continued growth in filings this year may indicate that the local economy continues to improve across the board. The marked increase in filings by those other than Kodak and Xerox suggests that our local economy is diversifying and growing.

An example of the technology being developed in the Rochester area is recently issued US patent 8,338,521, entitled "Intermediate Transfer Member and Composition," assigned to Xerox Corporation. The patent discloses that by dispersing carbon black particles or the like in a seamless layer of the member, proper conductivity in the layer can be ensured to improve performance in electrophotographic printing. Xerox Corporation is a client of Hoffman Warnick.

To obtain a pdf of this quarter's Patent Index, please e-mail hwemail@hoffmanwarnick.com or visit www.hoffmanwarnick.com.

About Hoffman Warnick LLC: Hoffman Warnick LLC is an intellectual property law firm focusing on biotechnology, nanotechnology, computers and software, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and materials engineering. Hoffman Warnick is committed to providing the highest quality services including: domestic and international property rights procurement, dispute resolution, and licensing.