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Patent Chief Decries Continued Downward Spiral of Patent Quality

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the dudas-just-wants-his-rug-back dept.

Techdirt is reporting that Jon Dudas, head of the US Patent Office, is lamenting the continuing quality drop in patent submissions. Unfortunately, while this problem is finally getting the attention it deserves, the changes being implemented don't seem to be offering the correct solution. "When you set up a system that rewards people for not actually innovating in the market (but just speculating on paper), then of course, you're going to get more of that activity. When you set up a system that rewards those people to massive levels, well out of proportion with their contribution to any product, then of course you're going to get more of that activity. When you set up a system that gives people a full monopoly right that can be used to set up a toll booth on the natural path of innovation, then of course you're going to get more of that activity. When the cost of getting a patent is so much smaller than the potential payoff of suing others with it, then of course you're going to get more of that activity. The fact that Dudas is just noticing this now, while still pushing for changes that will make the problem worse, is a real problem. Patents were only supposed to be used in special cases. The fact that they've become the norm, rather than the exception, is a problem, and it doesn't seem like anyone is seriously looking into fixing that."

9 of 179 comments (clear)

  1. Also, dudas, 'chinaman' is not the preferred ... by eldavojohn · · Score: 5, Funny

    from the dudas-just-wants-his-rug-back dept. He doesn't want it back, he wants it replaced. He still has the original but it has Asian-American urine all over it which is too bad because that rug really tied the room together.
    --
    My work here is dung.
  2. Jon Dudas? by XxtraLarGe · · Score: 3, Funny

    At first I accidentally read that as Don Judas. Now that would be an interesting name for the head of the USPTO!

    --
    Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
    1. Re:Jon Dudas? by smittyoneeach · · Score: 2, Funny

      Especially with a Master's in Divinity, some opera training, and a leather-clad metal band to back him up.
      I've done my share / of workin' out...

      --
      Get thee glass eyes, and, like a scurvy politician, seem to see things thou dost not.--King Lear
  3. That is my fault. by khasim · · Score: 3, Funny

    I patented the means of patenting "quality patents".

    1. Re:That is my fault. by pha7boy · · Score: 2, Funny

      you'll make no money that way. I'm filling a patent for "un-innovating patents." I'll be rich!

      --
      -- All this knowledge is giving me a raging brainer.
  4. Re:Also, dudas, 'chinaman' is not the preferred .. by pete-classic · · Score: 3, Funny

    Well, no, not exactly. It's a complicated case, eldavojohn. Lotta ins. Lotta outs. And a lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder's--

    He wanted compensation for the first rug. He wanted the second one back. The one that held sentimental value for Maude.

    -Peter

  5. Not true at all. by No2Gates · · Score: 2, Funny

    I tried to apply for a patent for a emergency CD ejector, made from a straightened paper clip. They turned me down.

    --
    Every time you call tech support, a little kitten dies.
  6. Re:Twofo Live by everphilski · · Score: 1, Funny

    Well, after seeing it once (ok fine, 7x), I'm pretty careful what I click!

    Fool me twice, shame on you.
    Fool me thrice, shame on you.
    Fool me four times, shame on you.
    Fool me five times, shame on you.
    Fool me six times, shame on you.
    Fool me seven times, shame on you.
    But dammit, fool me eight times, and shame on me! :)

  7. Re:Why allow corporations to own patents? by Sponge+Bath · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...corporations that own it.

    Government is like beer.
    You can only rent it.