This is why a "show me it working" is an important step in the patent process otherwise I could patent any number of "Science Fiction" based products and just wait until they are invented! for example Start Trek Tricorder.
If I have a stick its just a stick, Currently I can patent throwing the stick, balancing the stick on my nose, throwing the stick, but it's still a stick. If I add some string to make it so I can throw it farther its now an enhanced stick worthy of a patent. Hardware is the key and should be the deciding factor when accepting a patent.
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This is why a "show me it working" is an important step in the patent process otherwise I could patent any number of "Science Fiction" based products and just wait until they are invented! for example Start Trek Tricorder.
WTF http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2012/03/apple-wins-patent-for-iwallet-the-one-that-will-rule-the-world.html, 70 years ago Jack Purcher would have been buddies with Joseph Goebbels. In what reality does this guy think that everyone and his dog needs and iDevice. Ooh this week we patented red, green and blue now we want royalties on anything that's coloured. Kill Me Now.
If I have a stick its just a stick, Currently I can patent throwing the stick, balancing the stick on my nose, throwing the stick, but it's still a stick. If I add some string to make it so I can throw it farther its now an enhanced stick worthy of a patent. Hardware is the key and should be the deciding factor when accepting a patent.