Abstract
The purpose of this article is to discuss responsible library service when using patent search resources in light of the unauthorized practice of law. This issue is significant, but also very unsettled. Because patents document legal rights, libraries that provide patent search services should be cautious when assisting the public, much as libraries that provide assistance with legal resources should be. Activities that could be construed as the unauthorized practice of law are examined closely and distinguished from good information services practices. Recommendations for library policies and practices are outlined. Selected aspects of patent law, relevant to information needs of patent search patrons, are also discussed.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 31-46 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Journal of Government Information |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1 1998 |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Sociology and Political Science
Cite this
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Legal issues relating to patent searching in publicly accessible libraries. / Harwell, Kevin R.
In: Journal of Government Information, Vol. 25, No. 1, 01.01.1998, p. 31-46.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Legal issues relating to patent searching in publicly accessible libraries
AU - Harwell, Kevin R.
PY - 1998/1/1
Y1 - 1998/1/1
N2 - The purpose of this article is to discuss responsible library service when using patent search resources in light of the unauthorized practice of law. This issue is significant, but also very unsettled. Because patents document legal rights, libraries that provide patent search services should be cautious when assisting the public, much as libraries that provide assistance with legal resources should be. Activities that could be construed as the unauthorized practice of law are examined closely and distinguished from good information services practices. Recommendations for library policies and practices are outlined. Selected aspects of patent law, relevant to information needs of patent search patrons, are also discussed.
AB - The purpose of this article is to discuss responsible library service when using patent search resources in light of the unauthorized practice of law. This issue is significant, but also very unsettled. Because patents document legal rights, libraries that provide patent search services should be cautious when assisting the public, much as libraries that provide assistance with legal resources should be. Activities that could be construed as the unauthorized practice of law are examined closely and distinguished from good information services practices. Recommendations for library policies and practices are outlined. Selected aspects of patent law, relevant to information needs of patent search patrons, are also discussed.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0040685935&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0040685935&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/S1352-0237(97)00084-1
DO - 10.1016/S1352-0237(97)00084-1
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0040685935
VL - 25
SP - 31
EP - 46
JO - Government Information Quarterly
JF - Government Information Quarterly
SN - 0740-624X
IS - 1
ER -