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By J.D. Houvener
Patent Attorney and Founder

Cloud computing is now a core component of effective business operations. This distributed resource model has seen significant growth over the past few years, and this expanding market has opened the door for technology innovation.

The challenge? Ensuring that credit — and compensation — for new and creative ideas are given where they are due. Companies must be able to protect their development efforts from duplication or misuse.

The solution? Cloud computing patents.

Current Patterns in Patents on Cloud Computing

As more companies turn to the cloud and technology providers recognize the potential for innovation, more people are patenting their cloud computing inventions.

Along with higher patent volumes, however, are greater numbers of legal challenges around the use of specific technologies and whether they constitute patent infringement. In addition, the ubiquity of cloud computing services means greater scrutiny of the four key patent categories:

  1. Novelty: Is the idea unique? Has it been replicated, in whole or in part, by a previous inventor?
  2. Utility: Is the ideal useful? Does it provide a measurable benefit?
  3. Non-obvious: Is the idea one that could only be developed by the inventor?
  4. Eligible subject matter: Is the idea within a category allowed by law?

 

The Evolving Landscape of Innovation

Along with the general uptake of cloud services, the diversity of these services helps create a patent-friendly environment.

Consider the three primary types of cloud computing: public, private and hybrid.

Public clouds are owned and managed by providers that rent storage space and resources to customers. Private clouds are owned by companies; servers and databases may be either on-site or hosted in a dedicated off-site facility. Hybrid clouds are a mix of both that see companies using some public and some private resources to maximize cloud efficacy.

As a result, each cloud type offers potential patent routes. For example, public clouds benefit from tools and technologies that improve security, while hybrid clouds are well-served by solutions that simplify cross-cloud connections.

There are also opportunities for patents across the three primary cloud service models: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). For IaaS, technologies that improve the monitoring and management of resources can offer a lucrative patent route for companies. Under an SaaS model, meanwhile, new software tools that offer a unique approach to common functions or add new cloud features can satisfy patent criteria.

Why a Patent for Cloud Computing Matters

Patents help protect your ideas and innovations from being copied and sold without credit or compensation. Earning approval for a patent, however, requires significant time and effort. In fact, 86% of patent applications are rejected on the first try.

In many cases, the issue isn’t the technology itself but the way the patent application is written that leads to rejection. As a result, it’s worth partnering with an experienced patent support firm capable of guiding you through the patent process from start to finish.

Going Big With Tech Patents

Ready to get started? Bold Patents can help streamline your tech patent process. Our patent attorneys offer the experience you need with the transparency and collaboration you want to help streamline the patent application process. Our services include a comprehensive evaluation of patent applications, along with in-depth advice to improve your chances of approval.

Book a complimentary screening today with one of our non-attorney advisors and see how Bold Patents can help you go big.

About the Author
J.D. Houvener is a Registered USPTO Patent Attorney who has a strong interest in helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. J.D. leverages his technical background in engineering and experience in the aerospace industry to provide businesses with a unique perspective on their patent needs. He works with clients who are serious about investing in their intellectual assets and provides counsel on how to capitalize their patents in the market. If you have any questions regarding this article or patents in general, consider contacting J.D. at https://boldip.com/contact/