USPTO Launches Nanotechnolgy Digest

As the first step in a multi-phase nanotechnology patent classification project, the USPTO has announced a new cross-reference digest for nanotechnology designated Class 977/Dig.1, entitled "Miscellaneous Nanotechnology." The agency is continuing to identify and add relevant documents to this digest while it developes a comprehensive nanotechnology classification schedule for

• research and technology at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels, in the length of scale of approximately 1-100 nanometer range in at least one dimension, and that provide a fundamental understanding of phenomena, and
• materials, structures, devices, and systems that have novel properties and functions because of their small and/or intermediate size.

Click here for Richard Feynman's prior art on why "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom." Click here for prior art U.S. patents.