The U.S. patent system will undergo its most substantial overhaul in decades if a bill introduced on Wednesday becomes law. This is a long overdue review of the patent process in the U.S. It looks like the big software companies like the proposed measure, and that it has a very good chance of passing fairly easily. According to News.com:
"Probably the most sweeping change would be the creation of a process to challenge patents after they are granted by the Patent and Trademark Office. 'Opposition requests' can be filed up to nine months after a patent is awarded or six months after a legal notice alleging infringement is sent out."
I know it's not much, but if they keep reviewing the patent process, they might be able to get it into reasonable shape. It's a step in the right direction. Now, if they can just award a patent in less then 5 years ...
More Patent Examiners Needed
