The purpose of this note is to provide a brief non-technical introduction to the field of patents and their commercial implications. The note takes the perspective of the investor (entrepreneur) by describing the process of registering patents, the potential pitfalls and the possible economic benefits of having a patent.

The executive director of the baseball association has been put on the spot by the local newspaper. A player verbally assaulted a female reporter. He has few details of the incident but now has to deal with the furor before it gets beyond control.