4 ms·

Not everyone trying to patent a computer-implemented invention is a patent troll. Some of those applicants are actually creating a product/service. Some of th

Not everyone trying to patent a computer-implemented invention is a patent troll. Some of those applicants are actually creating a product/service. Some of them are spending b/millions creating things that were previously not considered possible. Should they be rewarded for the effort if in fact it is determined to be possible?

wokwokwok 6y ago
Not everyone, but statistically, the majority. If you want to be a “good guy” patent holder, why don’t you get involved in fighting patent trolls? ...no? Well, that’s because, unfortunately, the distinction between a troll and a “good guy” is a fine, often blurry line. There are other ways to monetise research, like, actually building things. Why not try that?
- patentatt 6y ago
  Based on my experience as a patent examiner and a patent attorney, it’s definitely not “the majority” of applicants that can be considered any kind of “troll.” Like many other fields and aspects of life, it’s a highly vocal and visible minority that you’re mostly aware of, because the mundane players are, well, mundane.
  - dantheman 6y ago
    Really, do you think software patents have done more harm or good? Show me the vibrant ecosystem that software patents have enabled. Patents should never have been applied to software and they're a cancer on the industry.
    - patentatt 6y ago
      No, I pretty much agree, but just wanted to point out that an overwhelming majority of patents and patent applicants are very boring and don't make any headlines, ever. That's all.
  - wokwokwok 6y ago
    https://www.unifiedpatents.com/insights/2018/9/28/q3-2018-patent-dispute-report https://www.unifiedpatents.com/insights/2018/9/28/q3-2018-pa... > High Tech companies, both large entities and SMEs, face a disproportionate number of NPE-related threats as compared to other sectors. https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/ptab/annual-report?year=2018 https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/ptab/annual-report?year=20... I suppose, to be fair, if you are an NPE asserting a claim over what is legitimately your invention, are you a troll? Perhaps, since NPE enforcement is basically a game of threats and legal costs, you don’t see what is actually happening? Opinions vary. My position is quite simple: if you are an NPE, you’re a troll. Use it, or lose it.
    - patentatt 6y ago
      Yeah, I pretty much agree with much of that. Just pointing out that a majority of patents and patentees aren't really headline-grabbing or anything. Just boring paper shuffling that will never have any impact on anyone, good or bad.

wokwokwok 6y ago

Not everyone, but statistically, the majority. If you want to be a “good guy” patent holder, why don’t you get involved in fighting patent trolls? ...no? Well, that’s because, unfortunately, the distinction between a troll and a “good guy” is a fine, often blurry line. There are other ways to monetise research, like, actually building things. Why not try that?

patentatt 6y ago
Based on my experience as a patent examiner and a patent attorney, it’s definitely not “the majority” of applicants that can be considered any kind of “troll.” Like many other fields and aspects of life, it’s a highly vocal and visible minority that you’re mostly aware of, because the mundane players are, well, mundane.
- dantheman 6y ago
  Really, do you think software patents have done more harm or good? Show me the vibrant ecosystem that software patents have enabled. Patents should never have been applied to software and they're a cancer on the industry.
  - patentatt 6y ago
    No, I pretty much agree, but just wanted to point out that an overwhelming majority of patents and patent applicants are very boring and don't make any headlines, ever. That's all.
- wokwokwok 6y ago
  https://www.unifiedpatents.com/insights/2018/9/28/q3-2018-patent-dispute-report https://www.unifiedpatents.com/insights/2018/9/28/q3-2018-pa... > High Tech companies, both large entities and SMEs, face a disproportionate number of NPE-related threats as compared to other sectors. https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/ptab/annual-report?year=2018 https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/ptab/annual-report?year=20... I suppose, to be fair, if you are an NPE asserting a claim over what is legitimately your invention, are you a troll? Perhaps, since NPE enforcement is basically a game of threats and legal costs, you don’t see what is actually happening? Opinions vary. My position is quite simple: if you are an NPE, you’re a troll. Use it, or lose it.
  - patentatt 6y ago
    Yeah, I pretty much agree with much of that. Just pointing out that a majority of patents and patentees aren't really headline-grabbing or anything. Just boring paper shuffling that will never have any impact on anyone, good or bad.