[ObviousScience]

> The patents are, but their ownership does not have to be.

I disagree.

It's important that people be able to determine whether the patent is in use or held by an NPE that's obligated to license it to people who want to implement products.

Were I to want to work in motion capture, I have no way to ascertain who owns your patents, if they're an NPE, and what possible licensing options exist.

I think patent owners should be forced to register with the patent office in a look-up table if they want to hold their patents.

[TeMPOraL]

I think the GP was just stating the fact, not expressing his opinion about it. But I agree that secret patent ownership sounds a little dodgy. Say I want to apply for a license to use some patented technology? Who am I supposed to turn to?