Conference urges changes in patent system

Abstract

What's wrong with the U.S. patent system today and the current climate for invention and technological innovation in this country? Not much, a casual observer might think, judging from the inventive genius displayed in so many technically sophisticated products now being sold. But those directly involved in inventing and innovating firmly believe that there are quite a few urgent problems that require major departures from current practices. The problems, to cite just a few, take various forms. Lone inventors, for one, are a vanishing breed; ironically, they are often the ones responsible for major breakthroughs. Corporate inventors, for another, are often frustrated and inadequately rewarded. Corporations hesitate to risk capital on inventions for fear the market for them isn't there. Often they encounter patent licensing difficulties. Attorneys fret over the uncertainties of a patent's validity. Courts, as well as trustbusters, are openly hostile to the Constitutionally-guaranteed patent monopoly. Evide...