[1] Dating to the 1624 English Statute of Monopolies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statute_of_Monopolies
[2] For a classic example, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisha_Gray#Elisha_Gray_and_the...
Democracy is an antiquated institution [1] that makes about as much sense in today's context as ...
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athenian_democracy
I'm not a huge fan of patents either, but let's try to pretend to be a bit more objective and sane about the arguments we are proposing and use some relevant references when making a claim like that.
That's $735.29 per patent - which I think speaks to the low average quality of the stuff they're buying.
Every single week it seems there is a new story from a reputable source lamenting the many billions that are being extorted by anti-innovation entities. But the conclusion of the story always seems to be: "And that's why it sucks to be in the software business." I'd much rather read "And here is what you can do if reading this made you feel depressed..."
This needs to be solved, quickly. I'm even scared of publishing simple Android apps for fear of becoming a target.
[1] http://news.priorsmart.com/metasearch-systems-v-travelzoo-l6...
The question is, will the America Invents Act fix it? That seems to be the most important question[1]. The thing is that someone, preferably someone really, really famous and respected, should propose something concrete. E.g. I'd like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, or Larry/Sergey to make a concrete proposal. As for cost, I bet it would be free: what lawyer wouldn't jump at the chance to draft legislation that will be championed by one of these men?
[1] http://www.patentspostgrant.com/lang/en/2012/07/patent-troll...
