Peer Review Starts for Software Patents

perbert writes "As seen in an interview in IEEE Spectrum: Qualcomm v. Broadcom. Amazon v. IBM. Apple v. seemingly everyone. The number of high-profile patent lawsuits in this country has reached a staggering level. Hoping to curtail the orgy of tech-industry litigation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is experimenting with reforming the way patents are applied for and processed. Launched on 18 June 2007 was an Internet-based peer-review program whereby anyone (even you) can help to evaluate a number of software patent applications voluntarily submitted for public evaluation. The one-year pilot Peer-to-Patent program is a collaboration between the USPTO and New York Law School's Institute for Information Law and Policy, in New York City. The program's Web site allows users to weigh in on patent applications by researching, evaluating, submitting, and discussing prior art, which is any existing information, such as articles in technology journals and other patents, relevant to the applicant's claims."

Comments

let's actually moderate patents

[1800maxim]

We could use such tags as "Funny" - aka invention too stupid (remember the diaper pants that inflate if a fall is detected? This supposedly saves your bum from bruising).
Or how about "Troll" - aka it's a patent troll, and should be ignored.
"Interesting" means not a bad idea, but let's put it on hold for a while and give it some thought.
I'm sure we could adapt "Informative" and "Insightful" as "Useful".

I'm only kidding about this.

I think it is nifty

[Presto Vivace]

Three cheers for the USPTO for coming up with the idea.

scarry

[phrostie]

for a second i thought they said, Pay Perview for Software Patents.

Sounds like a Letterman list to me

[Weaselmancer]

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is experimenting with reforming the way patents are applied for and processed.

Ok, ladies and gentlemen, from the home office in Sioux City, Iowa, the Top Ten ways the USPTO is reforming the way patents are processed:

• 10. Removing the approve-it dartboard from the breakroom
• 9. Firing Kiki the approval badger
• 8. Banning Jeff Bezos from the office
• 7. Doubling the 45 second research phase
• 6. Free donut if the clerk actually looks for prior art
• 5. Using one of them there computer thingys to search this "database" whatchamacallit
• 4. Cut workload by 50% by arranging a death match between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs
• 3. Halt the "approval by the pound" employee bonus incentive plan
• 2. Up standards to a sixth grade education for all clerks
• 1. Actually reading them first!