[hyborg787]

How do you avoid the chilling effects of patents existing then without getting into patent pools or cross-licensing arrangements? People will be hesitant to put any time into R&D if they don't have assurances their work won't be quashed by lawyers.

[nova]

Funny how patents are supposed to encourage innovation and they're doing exactly the opposite.

[bernardom]

Just commented on this below (sorry it's so late).

It's an arms race! The system is broken. But I wouldn't blame an individual for picking the right strategy to maximize their chances.