Learning from Successes and Failures of Registration of Patent Applications Based on Physical Ergonomics Research

Objective: The present study suggested practical measures for successful patent registration based on a review of success and failure cases of patent application filed based on inventions obtained from physical ergonomics research. Background: The protection of intellectual property (IP) contributes to economic growth and competitiveness and facilitates innovation and creativity. IP rights are pursued on research findings for effective technology transfer and commercialization; however, a patent application can be rejected if patentability requirements such as patent eligible subject matter, utility for industrial application, novelty, or nonobviousness are not satisfied. Method: Three successful and three failed cases of patent applications based on physical ergonomics research were reviewed, critical reasons for their successes and failures were examined, and measures were proposed to avoid failures in patent registration. Results: The following measures were identified based on the patent application case review. First, abstract ideas including logical procedures and/or mathematical formulas need to include use of tangible apparatus and methods in idea realization. Second, the provision of grace period inventor disclosure exception needs to be properly followed in case an invention is disclosed before filing of patent application. Lastly, a comprehensive analysis of prior art published or publicly known anywhere in the world and a claim preparation of distinguished, non-trivial features compared to prior art solutions are needed to avoid possible violation of novelty and nonobviousness. Application: The proposed measures can help to prepare a patent application with patent eligibility.