59.1-208 - Definitions. - Virginia Statutes

§ 59.1-208. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the followingmeanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

1. "Contract for invention development services" means a contract by whichan invention developer undertakes invention development services for acustomer.

2. "Customer" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or otherentity that enters into a contract for invention development services with aninvention developer.

3. "Invention development" means the evaluation, perfection, marketing,brokering, or promotion of an invention by an invention developer, includinga patent search, preparation of a patent application, or any other act doneby an invention developer for consideration toward the end of procuring orattempting to procure a license, buyer or patent for an invention, but shallnot include those acts undertaken by attorneys in the practice of theirprofession, other persons duly registered to practice before the U.S. Patentand Trademark Office, or persons rendering services to such attorneys orregistered persons.

4. "Invention developer" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation,and any agent, employee, officer, partner or independent contractor thereof,that advertises invention development services in media of generalcirculation or that contracts with customers procured as a result of suchadvertisement.

5. "Invention development service" means acts of invention developmentrequired or promised to be performed, or actually performed, or both, by aninvention developer for a customer.

6. "Invention" means a discovery, process, machine, design, formulation,product, concept or idea or any combination thereof.

(1977, c. 649.)