[MattPalmer1086]

Interesting ideas. Don't get rights with patents, get cash for publication! Not sure how that could be economically assessed fairly, but it might work for some kinds of thing. And maybe there isn't one thing that could replace all patents, rather a selection of things which work in different circumstances.

To me, the two most egregious ways current patents fail is how they frequently don't explain the innovation to a skilled practioner, and then how they can be subsequently interpreted overly broadly.

The first violates the entire point of being granted a patent, and the second makes them a minefield for everyone else.

I wonder if the structure of patents as a series of claims is something that could be altered. What if a patent had to clearly state what the non obvious part of the claim is (the originality that requires protection). And only that original part is then deserving of protection?