Not So Obvious: An Introduction to Patent Law and Strategy

Used this text for Jeff's class on patent law at Stanford (I'm an engineering PhD with no previous patent law experience). Very straightforward and easy to digest -- you could read the whole book in a day, and yet the information is very deep and rich. The case law examples provided are very interesting and relevant -- I have already found myself citing them in conversations about patent strategy with colleagues. Highly recommended to any newcomer in the patent space!

The title is a double entendre, referring to both the not-so-obvious nature of innovations that makes them patentable, but also the many aspects of patent law that aren't obvious based on the basic descriptions of patents and patent law that are salient in popular culture. Useful for people who are just curious about the details of patent law, or those who might be about to risk a career/company/lot of money on a potentially flawed assumption of how patent law works.

Simple to understand for complete beginners with clear explanations and useful examples

This book is as advertised - an excellent introduction to patent law. I was interested in something a little more deep though... I'm not a lawyer & hadn't planned on drafting anything, but wanted a more nuanced understanding of how patents get overturned after years of being on the books etc. I had bought this book along with "Invention Analysis and Claiming" by Slusky, and between the two of them found Slusky's book to leave me more satisfied about the details of the claims, although it's also much longer! Ultimately happy with this purchase too though, as it includes lots of condensed information about the entire ecosystem.

The book explains complicated subjects and makes them accessible and fun to those like me with no prior knowledge. If you are an entrepreneur interested in learning about patent law this is a great start. I find that it is often hard to find good, updated and reliable information in one place. In my opinion you can find that in this book!

Articulate and approachable overview of patent law and strategy, useful for those working on their own inventions as well as those simply interested in understanding intellectual property

Pros- - Well organized. Each chapter "fits." I like the paragraph spacing, which makes it easy to digest. - Perfect primer for someone like me who has no experience with patent law. Cons- - Author goes in and out with past cases. I'm not sure when he's quoting cases or what's his own thoughts. The transitions aren't that good. - The author doesn't summarize the cases...it's unclear what lessons can be drawn the cases he cites. Overall, well organized but it needs some work. It's a long way from what I would consider a finished work.

Solid, solid, solid. I've worked in startups, but hadn't gotten proper exposure to the patent system. I was fortunate enough to go to an undergrad school that had free seminars, and I'd go, but I never... really... grasped what was going on fully. Jeff Schox helps change that - legitimately with this comprehensive overview on the ins and outs of such an important topic for innovators and those who work with them. Full-disclosure: I got the chance to meet Jeff and take his class at Stanford, and it only highlighted MORE just how useful this text is. You don't have to be me or take his class at Stanford or Y-Combinator (though I recommend it) - you can just read this book. A huge thank you to Jeff for taking the time to de-mystify what can often seem an almost purposefully mystifying system! Just fantastic. Get the book. Get the knowledge.