[Allen Dick]

I don't know how many are aware of this, but there are currently some applications underway to patent protein feeds for bees. You can see some of the material at (I made tinyurls in case they wrap)

http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2009082659&IA=US2008087324&DISPLAY=STATUS
or
http://tinyurl.com/ycbplf8

http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-...82".PGNR.&OS=DN/20090162482&RS=DN/20090162482
or
http://tinyurl.com/ycwt973

http://www.freshpatents.com/-dt20090625ptan20090162482.php?type=description
or
http://tinyurl.com/yef9ptx

For those who are interested (and that should be everyone) the above links are a start. Keeners among us may dig a bit deeper and turn up more info. Please share.

It appears to me that the applications attempt to encompass and patent virtually all known common approaches and ingredients, and add very little, if any new information. Whether or not the patent offices will understand that and reject the applications is a good question.

In my opinion, all of this is common knowledge and should not be patentable. There are some recipes stated, and I don't know about that aspect, but the other material is not unique or novel IMO.

If these patents are granted, and enforced they could definitely increase the cost of feeding bees.

What is interesting is that AFAIK, much of the work to prepare these applications was funded by the US taxpayer.

It will be interesting to see what others turn up and how many people complain to the patent authorities.

 

[StevenG]

Allen, I looked at that first one, briefly.

For example, in one lengthly part of it, they discuss Mega Bee quite extensively. Are they trying to patent Mega Bee, or patent the various ways of mixing and preparing Mega Bee for use?

I realize that's an oversimplification, and I need to read that application at length, but....
Regards,
Steven

 

[c10250]

You need to look to the CLAIMS section to see what they are CLAIMING as their invention. The other stuff is just enablment.

 

[StevenG]

Ok, I'm just an ignorant layman when it comes to this sort of stuff, so please bear with me. I looked at the claims section in that first patent link. Seems like they're claiming two different diets, with some very general compositions to those diets. No "trade name" for marketing purposes is put forth, just a general diet that almost any beekeeper is already doing in his/her kitchen, or purchasing somewhere. Nothing is nailed down.

That's your point, isn't it? if so, where do we complain? :scratch:
And if they get this patent, how would that impact the supplements already on the market?
Regards,
Steven

 

[c10250]

HERE IS A VERY SIMPLE EXPLANATION OF THE PROCESS. A LOT IS LEFT OUT, BUT . . .

During the patent process, a patent application is filed with a CLAIM set that defines the invention. Usually, the initial claim is quite broad, and is narrowed down during the prosecution phase. This process usually involves the USPTO examiner finding prior references (prior art) and invalidating the CLAIMS. The applicant is given a chance to narrow the scope of the claims and resubmit.

This process may go around and around until either the patent issues with the narrow claims, or the application is abandoned. It seems that this application was filed in the United States in 2007, and has yet to issue. It also seems that the inventor filed an international application on his idea as well. (WTO)

Here is the first claim:

An artificial diet formulation suitable for rearing bees, comprising:

about 20-80% protein derived from at least two sources including corn gluten, about 1-7% lipid derived from at least two sources including corn gluten, and about 10-90% carbohydrate.


Ken
(Patent Attorney and Bee Keeper)
Also, it's sad that I have to say this, but please don't take any of this as legal advice. If you truly have a question about any patent, it's best to see a patent attorney.

 

[Allen Dick]

> about 20-80% protein derived from at least two sources including corn gluten, about 1-7% lipid derived from at least two sources including corn gluten, and about 10-90% carbohydrate.

Does that not sound like just about any protein supplement on the market? (Except for the corn gluten part, perhaps. But what is so special about corn gluten except, perhaps price?)

Hardly novel or unique.

 

[Tom G. Laury]

I have heard a story that once someone applied for and received a patent on the wheelbarrow, then received royalties for a period of time. I don't know if that is actually true or not though.

 

[loggermike]

It would seem to be unenforceable. I have been 'fooling ' with pollen sub recipes for over thirty years, and I think the idea goes back to the 1800s.
So, unless someone was duplicating the patented formula exactly (unlikely) how could it be a problem?
Didn't Langstroth patent his beehive? A lot of good that did him.

 

[bhfury]

So, unless someone was duplicating the patented formula exactly (unlikely) how could it be a problem?
Didn't Langstroth patent his beehive? A lot of good that did him.

I think Loggermike is exactly right....

I see it's MegaBee?