Innovation and Patent Reform
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2011-06-28/innovation-and-patent-reform
The United States has always been a global incubator for research and technological innovation. But some worry that our system of granting patents is becoming too costly, cumbersome and litigious. A new, controversial law, the America Invents Act, proposes to streamline the process and change how patents are awarded. We examine the debate over reforming America's patent system.
Guests
Adam Mossoff
Professor of Law, George Mason University
David Olson
Assistant Professor, Boston College Law School
Amy Schatz
Technology Reporter, Wall Street Journal
Louis Foreman
CEO, Enventys
Glen Kotapish
President, Inventors Network of the Capitol Area (INCA)
Comments
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Reform is needed. One Microsoft employee admitted that most of his job involves applying for patents that "any idiot could have come up with". His example: an HTML parser, which I think any computer science student could develop as a homework assignment.
It's been nearly 60 years since US patent laws were comprehensively revised. In the meantime, patents have become more important than ever all around the world. The new procedures for obtaining and enforcing patents are also more important than ever.
Recent commentary has complained about invalid patents that interfere with innovation. The reform creates new and efficient procedures in the PTO to challenge patents without the overwhelming costs of litigating in court. Small inventors have a much better chance against big companies with these procedures.
It remains to be seen what players will benefit from patent reform. In the mean time inventors can get help prototyping their inventions at the CCBC MIT Fab Lab in Catonsville, Maryland. See www.ccbcmitfablab.org for more information.
It remains to be seen what players will benefit from patent reform. In the mean time inventors can get help prototyping their inventions at the CCBC MIT Fab Lab in Catonsville, Maryland. See www.ccbcmitfablab.org for more information.