Many good ideas and new technologies are developed in the garages of people just like you, especially in hard economic times. You have a great, innovative idea. You even created a working prototype, and …now what? You would like to make money from your invention, but first you want to make sure that someone else is not going to profit from your idea. So is it time to dust off that idea and take it to the next level?

This is where patents come in. Patents are a way of protecting your ideas. Most people have heard of patents. Few people know when to protect their ideas. You should apply for a patent with the US Patent Office when you think you have a new or novel idea that could be marketable or could add to your field. Patents are often in the news only after a problem occurs. RIM, Google, and Apple, all have had recent, high profile patent lawsuits. You need to understand how patents work and where and when to seek advice and legal help.

What exactly is a patent? What kinds of rights or protections do patents afford their holders? Who can get one? If a company employs you and you invent a new product or process, and the product or process is patented, does the patent belong to you or to the employer? These are some of the questions you need to ask before it is to late to protect your idea.

This series is intended to give you a brief overview of these questions and other critical patent questions so that you have a better understanding of the patent system as you head into the workforce in your field. In each of the 4 articles that will appear in this series I will answer the questions that will help you protect and market your ideas.

What is a patent?

A patent is a property right granted by the government to the inventor. In the United States, a patent gives its holder the right “to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling their invention throughout the United States or importing the invention into the United States” for a limited time (usually, 20 years). In exchange for this limited monopoly, the patent holder is required to periodically pay certain fees (called “maintenance fees”) in addition to the application fees, and is also required to make a full disclosure of the invention. In other words, you give the government some money in exchange for exclusive control over your invention for a limited time.

There are three types of patents:

1. Utility patents, which cover processes, machines, manufactured products, and the like (electronic and mechanical gadgets and video games usually fall here);
2. Design patents, which cover ornamental designs; and
3. Plant patents, which generally cover plants reproduced by grafts or cuttings.

All patented inventions must be novel (different from that which is already known to the public), and must not be obvious to those who are skilled in the relevant field. In addition, utility patents, the most common, must also be useful.

Who can apply for a patent?

Anyone can apply for a U.S. patent, regardless of nationality. Under U.S. law, a patent is considered personal property, which means that the holder can sell or give others the right to use their patent by licensing it in return for royalty payments. United States patents only grant rights in the United States. Inventors have to file foreign patent applications to cover the same invention in other countries.

All engineers should have at least a basic understanding of patents. Keep these things in mind as you finish your degree and move into the workforce. Almost every engineer has ideas about how to make new and interesting things, or how to make existing things better. Patents enable you to maintain control over your ideas and can help you to exercise control over your career.

The next article in the series will address how inventors go about obtaining patents.

By Tali L. Alban, J.D.

Ms. Alban will be speaking at CSUS Monday, April 27th at 4:00 in the CSUS University Union. Sponsored by the CSUS College of Engineering and Computer Science, Career Services Office and the Sacramento Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Tali L. Alban is an attorney with the San Francisco law firm, Townsend and Townsend and Crew, LLP, specializing in intellectual property disputes and counseling. She can be reached at tlalban@townsend.com.

Associate OMS Specialist: Performs basic professional assignments and assists with technical support activities for real-time systems software and hardware, power system applications and database administration to contribute to the safe, reliable and economical operation of the District’s generation, transmission, distribution and gas operation facilities as well as Control Area operations.

OMS Specialist: Performs and provides technical support for real-time systems software, power system applications and database administration activities to support the safe, reliable and economical operation of the District’s generation, transmission and distribution facilities as well as Control Area operations.

Salary Range:
Associate OMS Specialist (entry): $60,240-$75,192 Annually
OMS Specialist (journey): $80,952-$101,112 Annually

Application Deadline: 3/25/09

Job Duties:
The Associate OMS Specialist will learn and assist more experienced personnel in their performance of responsibilities noted below.

1. Implements assigned projects for development, operation, and maintenance of operating systems software, network and/or configuration management, and database activities for the District’s real-time computer systems to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the District’s electric system.
2. Implements assigned projects for development, and installation activities for the District’s Backup Control Center Energy Management System (EMS) to meet WECC, NERC, and FERC operating requirements for the District’s Control Area operations.
3. Develops application programs for power system scheduling, monitoring, control, accounting, and analysis of the District’s generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, in accordance with inter-utility contractual requirements and safe operating procedures.
4. Provides training and support to users in generation, transmission and distribution operations, power system scheduling, energy accounting, operations planning and system protection and power plant security.
5. Provides database administration, system generations, and system backups to ensure recovery, configuration control, and ongoing support for Backup Control Center maintenance.
6. Implements modifications and additions on real-time computer operating systems, department networks, databases, real-time workstations, and data links between District systems and other utilities for data exchange to support efficient and updated operation of District real-time operating system infrastructure and inter-utility data exchange.
7. Assists in planning, reviewing and conducting work activities and researching required project information associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract.
8. Provides maintenance support for existing real-time computer systems by performing scheduled, routine activities to support effective operation of District real-time computer systems supporting generation, transmission, distribution, and gas power systems; provides 24 hours on-call support; reacts positively to change in assigned schedules or related duties.
9. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of:
Basic knowledge of computer science and/or engineering; generation, transmission and distribution system design, operations and procedures; systems software and database administration; network and workstation technologies; technical issues related to energy management systems and applications; software, hardware and telecommunication systems for real-time data collection and exchange; real-time applications and programming languages; safety policies, practices and procedures; standard operating procedures for modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards.

Skill to:
Perform operating system and database generation and installation; develop and implement real-time operating systems and database software; analyze and resolve real-time computer hardware and software problems in a time-critical environment; analyze technical issues to determine impact on operations; support multiple projects and priorities; identify problems, reason logically, draw valid conclusions, and take appropriate actions; organize work load to perform assigned responsibilities within established timeframes; prepare reports; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems, and software relevant to the job; work well under pressure; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Experience:
Associate OMS Specialist: 1 to 3 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in computer systems maintenance and management; database admnistration; support of computer systems operations; assisting staff in support of real-time systems development for energy management systems.

OMS Specialist: 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in management of computer system; database administration; support of generation, transmission and distribution operations; support of inter-utility operations and practices, and some real-time systems development and operations for energy management systems.

Desired Qualification:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university majoring in computer science, engineering or related field.

How To Apply:
Debbie Brenner
Human Resources Analyst
Compensation & Selection
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)
dbrenne@smud.org
Phone: 916-732-6065
Fax: 916-732-6412

2 Scheduled Company Information Session Spring 2009
Date	Time	Company	Majors	Location
03-18-2009	11:00 - 1:00 pm	OC Jones & Sons, Inc.	CE CM	Riverside Hall 3014
03-24-2009	12:00 - 1:00 pm	SJ Amoroso Construction	CE CM	Riverside Hall 2018

9 Scheduled Interviews Spring 2009
Date	Time	Rooms	Company	Position Title(s)	Majors	Location	Visit Status
03-12-2009	9:00 - 4:00	1	Kimley-Horn and Associates	Analyst - Civil Engineer	CE	Riverside Hall	CANCELLED
03-12-2009	8:00 - 5:00	1	San Diego Gas & Electric	Associate Engineer (Electrical or Computer Engineer)	CpE EEE	Riverside Hall
03-18-2009	9:00 - 4:00	1	AJA Video Systems	Hardware Engineer	EEE	Riverside Hall
03-18-2009	9:00 - 4:30	1	OC Jones & Sons, Inc.	Internship Estimating Assistant Project Engineer	CE CM	Riverside Hall
03-20-2009	9:00 - 5:30	2	Pacific Gas and Electric Company	Engineering Rotation Program Engineering Rotation Program	CE CM EEE ME	Riverside Hall
03-23-2009	8:00 - 5:00	2	Kiewit Pacific Co.	Entry Level Engineer	CE CM ME	Riverside Hall
03-24-2009	8:00 - 5:00	1	CA Department of Water Resources	Mechanical Engineer	ME	Riverside Hall
03-25-2009	8:00 - 5:00	1	Chevron Corp	SW Engineer	CS CpE	Riverside Hall
03-25-2009	8:00 - 5:00	1	CA Department of Water Resources	Mechanical Engineer	ME	Riverside Hall

For more information please visit: www.ecs.csus.edu/career/iss/students/

Majors Sought: CS CpE

For position details: http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career/iss/students/

For more information about SW Engineer please visit the Chevron website.

Company: OC Jones & Sons, Inc.
Date: 03-18-09
Majors: CE CM
Location: Riverside Hall 3014
Time: 11:00 - 1:00 pm

Lunch will be served!

Position - 1 : Entry Level Civil Engineer

Minimum Requirements:

• An interest in a career in transportation design or construction management.
• An E.I.T certificate, or a minimum 3 years relevant experience.
• Good communication skills, and
• A degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited school to be acquired within 12 months.

Offers a full benefit package that includes heal vision, dental, and a 401(k) plan.

How To Apply:
Please submit your resume to: resumes@quincyeng.com
OR
Mail To:
Quincy Engineering, Inc.
3247 Ramos Circle
Sacramento, CA 95827
Attn: Ms. Jordan

Position - 2 : Bridge Project Engineer/Design Engineer

Job Duties:
Duties include preparation of project plans, specifications, quantities, and construction cost estimates. Responsibilities may also include coordinating and directing the work of other design engineers.

Minimum Requirements:

• Requires a minimum of 3 years bridge design experience.
• A California P.E is required or the ability to obtain a California P.E. within 12 month of hires date is required for Project Engineer.
• Caltrans experience is preferred.

How To Apply:
Resumes can be submitted to: Phyllis Jordan
OR
Mail To:
Quincy Engineering, Inc.
3247 Ramos Circle
Sacramento, CA 95827

Position - 3 : Roadway Project Engineer/Design Engineer

Job Duties:
Duties include preparation of project plans, specifications, quantities, and construction cost estimates. Responsibilities may also include coordinating and directing the work of other design engineers.

Minimum Requirements:

• Requires a minimum of 3 years of roadway design experience.
• A California P.E is required or the ability to obtain a California P.E. within 12 month of hires date is required for Project Engineer.
• Caltrans experience is preferred.

How To Apply:
Resumes can be submitted to: Phyllis Jordan
OR
Mail To:
Quincy Engineering, Inc.
3247 Ramos Circle
Sacramento, CA 95827

Position - 4 : Construction Resident Engineer/Bridge Representative

Job Duties:
Responsibilities consist of performing contract administrator, management and engineering for the construction of transportation projects, including roads, bridges, retaining walls, and other transportation related facilities. Duties include maintaining records pertaining to construction progress; ensuring compliance and quality of work product; developing and checking line and grade; checking falsework, shoring, and other contractor submittals;surveying; and sampling and testing of construction materials. Also includes preparing contract change orders, estimates, and other miscellaneous documents and report to ensure thorough and complete project records.

Minimum Requirements:

• Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in roadway and/or bridge construction project, with at least 2 years of construction management as either a Resident Engineer or Bridge Representative.
• A California P.E is required.M/li>
• Caltrans experience is preferred, as is familiarity with Caltrans’ Standard Plans, Specifications, and Local Assistance Procedure.

How To Apply:
Resumes can be submitted to: Phyllis Jordan
OR
Mail To:
Quincy Engineering, Inc.
3247 Ramos Circle
Sacramento, CA 95827

While no positions are currently available, we always accepts resume to keep on file for possible future contact.

Employers are hiring from the resumes posted at http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career. If you have not already posted your resume on the ECS Career Services Office Web Site, now is the time!!! Just click on the Post Your Resume button!

Managers from local companies, including HP and Intel report contacting candidates through the system. If you are not on the system they cannot find you.

Students are reporting multiple offers from using a combination of the resume posting service, the JETX job listings, and from Job Fairs.

Employers are able to search your resume now with key words!

I also send resumes out to companies so send me a soft copy in MS Word at: cici@csus.edu

The College of Engineering and Computer Science Needs Your Data

Please report any offers that you have received to ECS Career Services Web site:

http://www.ecs.csus.edu/career - click on the "Just Hired" link.

If you got a student position we need your data.  

If you have graduated in the past few years or if you are graduating this semester we need your data.  

The information you share is used for ABET reports and to help me identify trends in employment and salaries.

I keep your info confidential.  I only report the data!  I use your contact data to confirm and to keep in touch with you.