Microsoft, Others, File "Stealth" Patents

bobwyman writes "Microsoft and others seem to be filing large numbers of "stealth patent applications" that hide the identify of the "assignee", or owner, of a patent application even though the legal principle of 'Duty of Candor' may legally require them to disclose their interest in the patent. Concealment of patent assignees permits a number of opportunities for fraud in the patent process while also making it more difficult to study patterns of application activity and 'inventiveness.' If not already illegal to conceal assignments, there should be laws written to make it illegal in the future."

Comments

Oooh, now there's a punishment

[freerangegeek]

A proper punishment for illegal abuse of monopoly power could be that you have to surrender all patents granted during the period of abuse to the public domain?

I know, I'm way off topic....