Business has always been driven by ingenuity and innovation. Now more than ever, with an economy built on intangible business intelligence and digital yield, developing—and protecting—intellectual property is vital for individuals and organizations alike. This book presents a brief but thorough survey of United States patent law. Drawing from both practical and academic experience, author Alan Durham explains the fundamental principles of the subject and reviews recent changes in legislation affecting its practice.Patent Law Essentials: A Concise Guide, Fourth Edition explains the latest revisions to the protections and limitations of patent law and includes recent Supreme Court decisions concerning the patentability of software, business methods, and advancements in biotech. An engaging writing style makes the technical content accessible to novice and expert practitioners alike.