There is no chance that the patent system will go away. While it could use an overhaul, it is not a problem itself, just as copyright is a good idea, it's just not a good idea when taken to infinity.
The problem is with the implementation of patent decision right now. Anything can get a patent nowadays, and trivial one-off patents ('obvious') need to go. The fact that you can retroactively add to patents is also a problem.
I also think that there should be some way to differentiate patents based on things that have actually been implemented and those that are just theoretical but can be written up. A working model is really a must. If you want to patent something, you should take the time to make it work for real.
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The problem is with the implementation of patent decision right now. Anything can get a patent nowadays, and trivial one-off patents ('obvious') need to go. The fact that you can retroactively add to patents is also a problem.
I also think that there should be some way to differentiate patents based on things that have actually been implemented and those that are just theoretical but can be written up. A working model is really a must. If you want to patent something, you should take the time to make it work for real.