Second Quarter 2012 Rochester Patent Index Released

ROCHESTER, NY (07/17/2012)(readMedia)-- Hoffman Warnick LLC (HW), an intellectual property law firm with offices in Albany, Rochester, and Boston has released the Rochester Patent Index for Second Quarter 2012. The "Rochester Patent Index" includes both (1) patent issuances and (2) patent applications filed for Monroe and Ontario Counties with and without XEROX and KODAK.

From a quarterly comparison (2nd quarter 2011 v. 2nd quarter 2012), the number of patent applications decreased slightly in the second quarter of 2012, although non-Kodak/Xerox filings increased. This may be indicative of an improving local economy, particularly for smaller businesses. Comparing the second quarter of 2011 with the second quarter of 2012, there was an overall increase in patent issuances which may be due to an effort by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to decrease their backlog of patent applications.

From an annual perspective, patent filings in the Rochester area are increasing at a gradual rate. Issuances again increased and are at their highest level over the last five quarters. This further suggests the local economy is improving despite Kodak's continuing struggles.

An example of the exciting technology being developed in the Rochester area is recently issued to US patent 8,168,287 entitled "Fuser Member" which is assigned to Xerox Company, and discloses an improved component in electrostatographic machines. Xerox 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.