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Suppose for a moment that you invent something, but don't tell anyone. Then someone else can obviously patent it. Suppose you publish something on your blog. T
by Robin_Message 16y ago
Suppose for a moment that you invent something, but don't tell anyone. Then someone else can obviously patent it.
Suppose you publish something on your blog. The patent examiner doesn't read blogs, so someone else can obviously patent it.
Suppose you publish it in a well-respected journal of computer science. The patent examiner doesn't read journals either, so someone can obviously patent it.
Now obviously, none of these patents are valid, but that is not how the patent system works.
- dchest 16y agoOr suppose someone else is trying to patent the exact same invention that's already patented by you. The patent examiner makes a mistake and issues a patent.
- Natsu 16y agoOh, you mean that patent on the stick as a dog toy? Yeah, that one sucked. I can't believe it took four years, a reexamination by the USPTO Director and referencing no less than two prior patents as prior art to invalidate all of its claims: http://www.scribd.com/doc/49521/Worlds-Craziest-Patent http://www.scribd.com/doc/49521/Worlds-Craziest-Patent