Actually, I really doubt that the formula for asprin is patented anymore. Patents only last 18 years, so I'm sure it's long since expired.
Having said that, I agree that the logic in the quote is a little sketchy. A well thought out patent system should encourage both domestic and foreign companies to come up with creative new ideas. This would probably help the industry, not hurt it.
Even the most optimistic projection of broadband penetration only sees it getting to 30 or 40% of internet users in the forseeable future. That still leaves 60 to 70% of people who will be stuck using the same old slow modems and would appreciate improvements in compression.
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Actually, I really doubt that the formula for asprin is patented anymore. Patents only last 18 years, so I'm sure it's long since expired.
Having said that, I agree that the logic in the quote is a little sketchy. A well thought out patent system should encourage both domestic and foreign companies to come up with creative new ideas. This would probably help the industry, not hurt it.
Even the most optimistic projection of broadband penetration only sees it getting to 30 or 40% of internet users in the forseeable future. That still leaves 60 to 70% of people who will be stuck using the same old slow modems and would appreciate improvements in compression.