Two guys come up with a good idea for a camera strap and start selling it. Competitor applies for a patent on a similar concept. Despite the fact that plenty of prior art exists that should prevent such a patent from being granted, it’s issued on November 1. On November 9, the small company announces that it’s discontinuing its products rather than risk a legal battle over the patent. Once again the real damage of the patent office failing to discharge its duty effectively is illustrated.
November 10, 2011 at 11:00 am
I’ve assumed for a while that the USPTO was just incompetent. I’m now leaning toward corrupt.
November 11, 2011 at 1:56 pm
just impossible, Stan Taylor, just impossible. no one can arbitrate amongst hypothetical laymen in an impossibly complex and pregnant world like this one.