3 ms·
Maybe it made sense before the internet? I'm definitely not arguing that these patents are a good idea, and the argument that they're defensive feels weak since
by neltnerb 8y ago
Maybe it made sense before the internet? I'm definitely not arguing that these patents are a good idea, and the argument that they're defensive feels weak since just straight up publishing puts it into the public domain where it acts as prior art to prevent other patents. The only way defensive patents make sense versus just publishing in the open is if you're using them as a threat against other people with patents in your area. The whole thing is gross.
- fnord123 8y agoPatents never made sense for software, but the horse has bolted and the law doesn't look like it's changing soon. Defensive patents made sense until it turned out that most offensive action was from patent trolls who are not trying to create a product so they don't need to defend anything.