In a similar vein, I feel what's needed is a patent evaluation committee supported by an industrywide organization and possessing some legal standing. It could

In a similar vein, I feel what's needed is a patent evaluation committee supported by an industrywide organization and possessing some legal standing. It could set down principles by which its members would abide, mediate or arbitrate between them in cases of disputes over patents (according to sane pre-established rules), and defend against non-members seeking to attack members via patents (your idea). Even better if it could seek out bullshit patents to take them down and send a signal. Or volunteer resources to the USPTO to help evaluate patent applications (with a layer of neutrality/anonymity of course). What's needed is (fair) industry input in patent granting, so there isn't a disconnect between what's obvious to USPTO reviewers and to industry members. Better yet, the organization would be much better positioned to throw up prior art for the USPTO, which would go a long way towards throwing out spurious patents. Pipe dream, I know. Maybe the EFF needs a new branch.