[laujen]

An idea I will throw out there: I always wondered why anyone should be able to hold onto an idea (patent it) if they don't use it. I can't help but wonder if the best way to fix the patent system isn't to overhaul it -- which would be nearly impossible to do due to entrenched interests -- but instead invalidate all patents if they aren't used within a certain time period by the rights holder. In other words, use it or lose it.

[bhousel]

Wouldn't suing someone count as 'using it'?

[WiseWeasel]

No. 'Using it' would mean distributing a product that directly makes use of the patented technology.

In practice, however, this will simply force patent trolls to jump through a few more hoops and find the least expensive way to distribute the product in some form in order to defeat the intent of the law while following its letter.