Who?
Markr was launched by IP/legal software service provider Terrifio and founded by Jim Gastle, who has 25 years’ experience as a registered patent agent in Canada, working closely with US patent attorneys.
Why?
Gastle was surprised that while some of the top global proprietary product brand firms had a virtual patent marking (VPM) page, the vast majority do not – which puts them in danger of eroding considerable value and leverage in damages provided by an early constructive notice date.
What?
The startup says virtual patent marking offers many benefits over traditional patent marking, including the saving of considerable time and expense as the patent owner no longer needs to individually manage the minutia of placing specific patent information on a specific version of products and/or packaging. The patent owner also does not go to the expense of updating this as and when required. Instead, it simply can be updated via its online VPM link on demand.
How?
Markr automates repetitive tasks required for accurate virtual patent marking, maintains a litigation-ready audit trail and expands public access to patent information. It says it allows companies to accurately record and post online their patents, making potentially complicated VPM evidence creation for patent enforcement and litigation a thing of the past. Users can build a database of their pending applications, published applications and issued patents – and can link each with associated products.
A business without PR is nothing – just ask Bill Gates & David Brent
Where?
Markr is based in London.
They say:
Gastle: “VPM can be a valuable addition to any tech company IP program and its proactive processes. With tech breakthroughs changing virtually every walk of life, the need to timely and efficiently mark patents is hugely important to remaining competitive. Once an active VPM programme foundation is established the companies have the security of knowing that potential infringers have clear and up to date constructive notice.”
Grant Peters, partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP: “I’m surprised by the proportion of patent owners that appear not to use virtual patent marking, even those that use traditional physical marking. Some lack of use may be due to unfamiliarity with the process and the perceived effort required to establish a baseline. Some of the lack of use may be due to the absence of an easy-to-use software tool to help automate the process. I believe there is value in virtual patent marking but unlocking it requires early, proper, traceable patent marking. Markr presents a compelling proposition to efficiently build a marking baseline, maintain traceable records, and update the information in real time.”