[chrischen]

The fundamental problem with patents is that it rewards the first person to file a patent, disregarding the possibility that two people can synchronously, or asynchronously come to the same idea independently of each other.

I guess the "American" (assuming you're in America) course of action is to speak to your senator to push for reform and help evolve our government. If that fails, ditch the government altogether and either start or move to another country.

[Daniel_Newby]

U.S. patents go to the first inventor, regardless of filing order.

[chrischen]

In any case first doesn't mean the only, or the only one deserving.

[JCLevesque]

Yeah but you have to prove it.