Cringely: Patent Reform Unfair to Absent-Minded Inventors

Robert Cringely, a writer at PBS, is not happy with the Patent Reform Bill:

"First to file" gives the advantage to any organization that has a good administrative system in place. Absent-minded inventors lose in this system, which also encourages patenting anything and everything just in case. . . .

It's just my opinion, but "first to file" looks like a good way to screw small inventors, of which I know quite a few.

Alan Wexelblat at Copyfight comments on Cringely's editorial:

Unfortunately, Cringely's attempt to discuss IP law is overgeneralized to the point of wrongness (patents don't protect ideas, they protect inventions). His basic thrust - you and I aren't being helped by attempts to reform patents - seems correct.

Prior posts:
    Aug. 23, 2005 - Draft Amendment to Patent Act of 2005 Circulating.
    Aug. 22, 2005 - More on Patent Reform.