From: Chris Hibbert (hibbert@agorics.com)
Date: Tue Dec 28 1999 - 10:57:47 MST
rhanson@gmu.edu said:
> Since I know of no simple enforceable rule that correlates well with
> when patents help, and since I see large errors now and fear larger
> errors with new technologies, I guess I favor eliminating patents.
Thanks for a very clear summary, Robin. I've often found myself arguing
against patent haters recently, since they often make no distinction
between "patents are an evil institution" and "bad patents cause many
problems". I'm completely unconvinced that patents are evil, but I could
go along with your urge to work to eliminate patents as they are
administered now, since I, also, see no reasonable chance of turning an
administratively bad system into a benefit.
Patents don't seem to me to be inherently bad, and if they were issued as
the law requires, I'm not at all convinced that 17 years is too long. The
main problem is that the patent office seems unable to avoid issuing
completely obvious patents. I remain unconvinced that the other points
people complain about are worse than the benefits.
Chris
--- Chris Hibbert hibbert@agorics.com http://www.agorics.com 650 941 8224
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