Bob Properly Filed for a Patent on a New Machine

question 60

Multiple Choice

Bob properly filed for a patent on a new machine with the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office.Alice who had been working on the same type of machine was furious when she learned about Bob's filing.She presented proof that she had actually invented the machine first but had not yet prepared the paperwork for filing at the time of Bob's filing.Assuming no wrongdoing on the part of either party and that they developed the machine independently,which of the following is the correct resolution of the dispute?

• A) Alice will win and possess all rights to the patent under common law because she first invented the machine.
• B) Bob will win and possess all rights to the patent under common law because he was the first to file for a patent.
• C) Under common law, Alice and Bob will share rights to the patent on a 50-50 basis.
• D) Under the America Invents Act, Alice will control rights to the patent because she was the first to invent.
• E) Under the America Invents Act, Bob will control rights to the patent because he was the first to file.

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Definitions:

Proactive Strategy

A corporate social responsibility strategy that actively pursues social responsibility by taking discretionary actions to make things better in the future.

Preventive Action

Measures taken in advance to reduce or eliminate the risk of potential problems or dangers in a process, system, or environment.

Social Responsibility

The duty of businesses and individuals to act in the best interests of their environment and society as a whole.

Adverse Social Impacts

Negative effects that activities or decisions have on the societal well-being or social fabric.