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Cutting Through the Patent Thicket

Posted by Zonk on from the use-a-big-blade dept.

xzvf writes wrote to mention a BusinessWeek article positing that the overgrowth of patents is harmful to innovation. From the article: "The first problem with patents is that the entire process takes too long: three years on average, often as long as five, and getting longer all the time. So when a venture capitalist invests in a company, its IP 'dowry' remains, at best, provisional. How much would you pay for a company when its assets are hidden from view?"

4 of 122 comments (clear)

  1. I'm a proud redneck! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God.

    If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya' are...

    You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

    You might be a redneck if: You still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."

    You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.

    You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

    You might be a redneck if: You treat Viet Nam vets with great respect, and always have.

    You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag.

    You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

    You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.

    You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.

    If you got this email from me, it is because I believe that you, like me, have just enough Red Neck in you to have the same beliefs as those talked about in this email.

    God Bless the U SA !

    Git 'er done!!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. I would say about three fiddy by inventgeek · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I would say... Dont you go giveing them 3 fiddy woman!

  3. WOOT!? F'p by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    I thought it was m7 Fellow travellers? that has grow8 up butts are exposed everyday...Redefine every day...Like

  4. Re:And The Answer by Hognoxious · · Score: 0, Offtopic
    mod'ed
    What? Do you mean "modded"? If someone informs on you, would you say they'd rat'ed? What next - cricketers/baseball players having bat'ing averages?

    I don't know what crap meme will appear (or should that be ap'ear?) here next - probably hypehen doubling or something like that.

    --
    Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."