[Lilux-info] Patents Out of Control ?

I think this document can be used as-is to explain our concerns about software patents in EU._* "Patents Out of Control?"*_ USA Today (01/13/04) P. 1B; Davidson, Paul http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20040113/5832337s.htm Industry and government officials agree that the clearest sign of a patent system running amuck is surging numbers of patent lawsuits, which are becoming problematic for companies large and small and are threatening to stifle technological innovation. Critics charge that many patents at the center of such lawsuits--of which those covering software and business methods are among the most notorious--are obscure or false, but are being approved by a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) ill-equipped to thoroughly research the validity of vast numbers of patent applications. "Very bad patents are...draining millions of dollars that could be spent on finding a better mousetrap," notes lawyer Mark Banner. Approximately 180,000 patents were awarded by the PTO in 2002, while about 700 more patent examiners need to be hired to manage a backlog of 500,000 applications, according to officials. Bad patents are bad news to small companies that lack the financial resources to weather lawsuits, while larger companies must divert research funds to build patent portfolios to protect them from opportunistic patent holders. Critics contend that the patent system has given rise to new kinds of companies that exist for the sole purpose of stockpiling patents and collecting royalties, without injecting anything into the economy.[...] -- Brent Frère Private e-mail: Brent(a)BFrere.net Postal address: 5, rue de Mamer L-8280 Kehlen Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg European Union Mobile: +352-021/29.05.98 Fax: +352-26.30.05.96 Home: +352-307.341 URL: http://BFrere.net