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This brings up the problem of patent terms. At least in software, the ordinary term of a patent is obviously much too long. Even granting a ten-year monopoly wo
by comicjk 14y ago
This brings up the problem of patent terms. At least in software, the ordinary term of a patent is obviously much too long. Even granting a ten-year monopoly would be onerous in this business; twenty is absurd - the technological landscape can change completely in that time.
- a3n 14y agoDevil's advocate: by allowing software patents, that might tend to force technological change. You need to invent a new landscape if the current landscape is illegal or onerous to operate in. For the record, software patents annoy me and I don't think they should be allowed.
- Zuider 14y agoBut the patents are so general in scope that they tend to preempt any technological change. What benefit is there in inventing a better mousetrap if the very idea of causing inconvenience to vermin has been patented, and the only people beating a path to your door are verm^H^H^H^H patent lawyers.
- chc 14y ago20 years was long enough for Microsoft to rise and fall.