From steve.probert@patent.gov.uk  Thu Dec 14 15:29:04 2000
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2000 15:29:04 +0000
From: Steve Probert steve.probert@patent.gov.uk
Subject: [Patents] Re. Monopoly/publicity

> In a patent application, along with the technical description of a 
> machine I think the inventor is obliged to include a structural drawing
> of the invention. Am I wrong?

Yes you are wrong.  There is no obligation to include drawings (in the
UK).

> When it comes to swpats, would it be meaningful to discuss why the
> source code is not published with the patent description?

Source code is always published with a patent specification - when the
applicant files source code that is.  If the amount is not too great,
the source code is printed with the rest of the specification.  In many
cases the program listing forms an appendix which is open to public
inspection (at the Patent Office) but not printed, primarily because of
the cost and bulk.

> To publish the source would perhaps make (logical) sense in the
> monopoly/publicity exchange (i.e. the patent system)?

Absolutely right.


-- 

Steve Probert
Deputy Director
The Patent Office




