[Slartibreakfast]

I'm so sick of software patents. The solution seems pretty simple - the approval process for software patents should consist of running the idea past three people off of the street. If they say "Well, duh..." in response to being presented with a complex idea like "Method for Storing Phone Number With a Name" or "Method for Buying Something by Clicking On It" then you don't get your freaking patent.

[omgitstom]

You are giving the american public too much credit...

[Slartibreakfast]

Probably. The whole patent system is broken and it is just infuriating to observe the farce. I have simply lost count of all the examples of patents which should never have been granted being used in litigation.

[omgitstom]

Yea, I feel you. I used to live in DC and had a few friend that worked for the patent office. Hearing the stories about how things work internally made me lose all faith in the patent system.