@kbutler Agreed. That Web site has a good understanding of the patent system (unlike, e.g., in general, writers for the NYT and WSJ). The article appears to s

@kbutler Agreed. That Web site has a good understanding of the patent system (unlike, e.g., in general, writers for the NYT and WSJ). The article appears to state, however, that the patent office is working from reserves to make up for current shortfalls. Another issue is that while patent laws passed by congress often include sections that appear to stop congress from taking money from the patent office, they always leave a back door in the legislation to allow for the taking in the future.