The Times editorializes today on the urgent need for patent reform, but it is only likely to make the problems worse
link here . Its issues with patents include award to the first to file rather than first to invent to bring us into line with the rest of world, the slowness in issuance, the amount and costs of litigation, and the large and growing backlog of applications. The Times seems to feel that the problems will be solved by allowing the Patent Office to keep all the fees it charges and to allow small businesses and inventors to file a low cost preliminary application in order to get a place in the queue.
There is no real discussion of the constitutional grounds for patents being their encouragement to innovation or the product of patents in the creation of more large monopolistic businesses.
As it stands, these measures may go through because business wants them, and its interests are reflected in the views of both parties. Too bad.
But the fact that the Times peddles propaganda like this shows how badly the media have been brainwashed by the self-serving big business propaganda that patents promote innovation, contrary to much evidence.
The issue is that the work load for the Patent Office is increasing because because virtually anything is now allowed to be patented. Regrettably the "
obvious" solution is ever more staff or other hollow administrative fixes rather than clarification on what can be patented.
Too bad the Times does not allow comments on their article.
This article is only one of several recent media pieces that does nothing to further the discussion of what ails the patent office. Its all propaganda, as you said. See my post Saving the Patent Office and here Saving the Patent Office II.
