2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
403 | 342 | 387 | 357 | 343 | 325 |
Utility patents are patents that cover the useful features of an invention and these are measures of technological innovation. We have generated a large number of patents related to the operation of our business and expect this portfolio to continue to grow as we actively pursue additional technological innovation. The average age for patents in our active patent portfolio is five years.