SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA (Osaka, JP)

A method for producing an optical film includes: (1) applying a lower layer resin and an upper layer resin; (2) making an optical film with an uneven structure on the surface through pressing a mold against the lower layer resin and the upper layer resin from the upper layer resin’s side in the state where the lower layer resin and the upper layer resin are stacked; and (3) curing the resin layer, which is the lower layer resin comprising at least one first monomer with no fluorine atoms. The upper layer resin which contains a fluorine-containing monomer and at least one kind of second monomer which contains no fluorine atoms, and at minimum one monomer and the second monomer comprising an appropriate monomer compatible with the fluorine-containing one and being dissolved in the lower layer resin and the upper layer resin.

Anti-reflection films can be constructed from optical films having an uneven, nanometer-sized structure (nanostructure). The structure that is uneven is characterized by a refractive index constantly shifting between the film’s air layer and the base, which enablessignificant reduction of the reflection light. These optical films are very anti-reflective and have the disadvantage of allowing dirt to easily reach the surface. The dirt that is adhered to the optical film has a different reflectance than the optical film , which is why it is easy to recognize. In these circumstances oil- and water-repellent optical films with outstanding anti-fouling properties are desired. Patent Literatures 1 to 3, for instance reveal configurations in response to the need, for example an arrangement in which an afluorine-based material is formed on the surface with the uneven structure, and a arrangement where a fluorine-based substance is added to the uneven structure.

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2003-172808 A Patent Literature 2: JP 2007-178724 A Patent Literature 3: JP 2014-153524 A Patent Literature 4: WO 2011/013615

Non Patent Literature

Non Patent Literature 1: R. F. Fedors, Polym. Eng. Sci., 14[2], 1974, pp. 147-154 Non Patent Literature 2: J. Brandrup et al., “Solubility Parameter Values”, Polymer Handbook, 4th edition Non Patent Literature 3: K. Milam et al., “Optool.TM.DAC-HP: An Anti-fingerprint Coating Material for Touch Panel Screens”, SID11 DIGEST, 2011, pp. 1826-1829 Non Patent Literature 4: Nano Science Corporation, “Useful tips for XPS analysis (XPS Bunseki no mame-chishiki”, “Chemical state of carbon (C1sbinding energy shift (chemical shift)) (Kabon no kagaku-jotai (C1s no Ketsugo enerugi no shifuto (kagaku shifuto))”, [online], 2014, [searched on Nov. 6, 2015], Internet (URL: http://www.nanoscience.co.jp/knowledge/XPS/knowledge02.html Non PatentLiterature 5: A. M. Ferraria et al., “XPS studies of directly fluorinated HDPE: problems and solutions”, Polymer 44, 2003, pp. 7241-7249 Non Patent Literature 6: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., “Oxygen”, “Binding energies of common chemical states)”,[online], 2013, [searched on Nov. 6, 2015], Internet (URL: http://xpssimplified.com/elements/oxygen.php) Non Patent Literature 7: N. Stobie et al., “Silver Doped Perfluoropolyether-Urethane Coatings: Antibacterial Activity and Surface Analysis”,Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, Vol. 72, 2009, pp. 62-67

Click here to view the patent on USPTO website.

 

Get Patents with PatentPC

What is a patent?

Granted by the government to protect an invention, patents give the inventor with the exclusive right to develop, utilize to sell, and market the invention? society is benefited when a brand new technology is introduced to the market. These benefits may be realized directly by people who are able to perform feats previously thought impossible and indirectly by the opportunities for economic growth that innovation offers (business growth, jobs).

Patent protection is sought by many universities and pharmaceutical companies for their research and development. Patents can be granted to a physical or abstract process or product, or even a method or composition of materials that are new to the area. To be granted protection by patent the invention must be useful, new and not apparent to others in the same subject.

Patents give inventors a chance to be recognized for commercially viable inventions. They act as an incentive for inventors to invent. Patents enable inventors and small businesses to know that there is a good chance they will be paid back on their time, effort and investment in the development of technology. They can earn a living from their work.

Businesses with the ability to:

Protect your innovative products and services.

Increase the value, visibility, and attractiveness of your products on the market

Make your brand stand out from the competition.

Access technical and business knowledge and information;

Beware of the danger of accidentally using proprietary third-party content, or losing valuable data, original outputs, or another creative output.

Patents transform the knowledge of inventors into a valuable asset that opens new avenues for job creation by licensing joint ventures and joint ventures.

Investors who are involved in the commercialization and development of technology may find small businesses with patent protection to be more attractive.

Patenting can generate fresh ideas and innovative inventions. This information could encourage the development of new ideas and may be eligible for protection under patents.

Patents can be used to serve as an effective deterrent for untrustworthy third parties profiting from the invention’s success.

Patent-protected technology revenues that are commercially viable can be used to finance technology-related research and development (R&D), which can increase the chance of a better technology in the near future.

Intellectual property ownership is a way to convince lenders and investors that there are real chances to commercialize your product. Sometimes, a powerful patent could lead to multiple financing opportunities. Patents can be used along with other IP assets as collateral or security to secure financing. Investors are also able to view your patent assets in order to boost the value of their company. Forbes and others have noted that every patent could add anything from $500,000 to one million dollars to company valuation.

A properly-constructed business plan is vital for startups. It should be built on IP and explain what your service or product is distinctive. Investors will also be amazed if your IP rights are secured or are on the verge of becoming secure, and that they are in line with your business strategy.

It is essential to protect an invention prior to filing for patent protection. Making an invention public prior to its filing often destroy its novelty and make it ineligible for patent protection. The filing of disclosures prior to filing, for example, for investors, test marketing, or other business partners, must be done only following the signing of a confidentiality agreement.

There are several types of patents and knowing the different types is crucial to protect your invention. Utility patents protect new techniques and machines. Design patents cover ornamental designs. Utility patents are best to protect the proprietor from copies and competitors. Frequently they are granted to modify or improve existing inventions. Patents issued under utility can be used to enhance or modify existing inventions. A process patent would be a way to describe the actions or methods of performing a particular act. But, a chemical composition will include an amalgamation of ingredients.

What is the typical length of patents? Although utility patents are valid for 20 years from the date of the initial filing, they may be extended by delay in the Patent Office.

Are you thinking of the patentability of your ideas? Patents are granted only to applicants who file first, so you must file quickly. Call PatentPC today to get your patent application approved!

A patent search is essential when you’re drafting an application for patent. This will allow you to look at different ideas and give you insight into the potential of them. You’ll be able to reduce the scope of your idea. In addition, you can discover the latest technological advancements in your field of innovation. This will help you to comprehend the scope of your invention and prepare you for the filing of the patent application.

How to Search for Patents

The first step to get your patent is to conduct a patent search. You can do a google patent search or do a USPTO search. Patent-pending refers to the product that has been protected by the patent application. You can search the public pair to find the patent application. After the patent office approves your application, you will be able do a patent number look to locate the patent that was issued. The product you are selling will be patentable. You can also use the USPTO search engine. Read on for details. For assistance, you can consult an attorney for patents or a patent attorney. Patents granted in the United States are granted by the US trademark and patent office or the United States Patent and Trademark office. The office also examines trademark applications.

Are you interested in similar patents? These are the steps to follow:

1. Brainstorm terms that describe your invention based upon the purpose, composition and usage.

Write down a short detailed explanation of your invention. Do not use generic terms like “device”, “process” and “system”. Look for synonyms to the terms you chose initially. Then, note significant technical terms as well as keywords.

Utilize the following questions to help you identify keywords or concepts.

  • What is the objective of the invention? Is it a utilitarian device or an ornamental design?
  • Does the invention consist of a method of creating something or performing an action? Is it a product or process?
  • What is the structure of the invention? What is the physical composition of the invention?
  • What’s the purpose of the invention
  • What are the technical terms and keywords that describe an invention’s nature? To find the right terms, refer to the technical dictionary.

2. These terms will enable you to search for pertinent Cooperative Patent Classifications on the Classification Search Tool. If you are unable to locate the appropriate classification for your invention, go through the Schemas of classes (class schedules). Consider substituting the words you’re using for describing your invention, if you fail to find any results in your Classification Text Search with synonyms such as the terms you used in step 1.

3. Go through 3. Go over the CPC Classification Definition for the CPC Classification Definition to confirm the relevancy of the CPC classification that you have found. If the classification you have selected has a blue box with a “D” on its left, the hyperlink will take you to a CPC classification’s description. CPC classification definitions can be used to determine the scope of the classification, so you are certain to choose the one that is relevant. These definitions may also include search tips or other suggestions that could be helpful for further investigation.

4. Get patent documents using the CPC classification from the Patents Full-Text and Image Database. By focusing on abstracts and drawings that are representative it is possible to narrow your search to find the most relevant patent publications.

5. This collection of patent publications is the best to check for similarities to your invention. Be sure to read the specifications and claims. It is possible to find additional patents by consulting the patent examiner as well as the applicant.

6. It is possible to find published patent applications that match the CPC classification you selected in Step 3. You can use the same strategy of searching as Step 4, narrowing your search results to the most relevant patent application through the abstract and representative drawings that appear on each page. Next, examine the patent applications that have been published carefully, paying special attention to the claims as well as other drawings.

7. Find other US patent publications by keyword searching in PatFT or AppFT databases, searching for classification of non-U.S. patents as described below, and searching for non-patent literature disclosures of inventions using web search engines. Examples:

  • Add keywords to your search. Keyword searches may turn up documents that are not well-categorized or have missed classifications during Step 2. For example, US patent examiners often supplement their classification searches with keyword searches. Think about the use of technical engineering terminology rather than everyday words.
  • Search for foreign patents using the CPC classification. Then, re-run the search using international patent office search engines such as Espacenet, the European Patent Office’s worldwide patent publication database of over 130 million patent publications. Other national databases include:
  • Search non-patent literature. Inventions can be made public in many non-patent publications. It is recommended that you search journals, books, websites, technical catalogs, conference proceedings, and other print and electronic publications.

To review your search, you can hire a registered patent attorney to assist. A preliminary search will help one better prepare to talk about their invention and other related inventions with a professional patent attorney. In addition, the attorney will not spend too much time or money on patenting basics.