ZDNet: How Patent Attorneys Are Stealing Our Future

"Jeff Bezos thinks Amazon's one-click checkout is unique. Priceline's Jay Walker claims the 'name-your-own price' concept. Fantasysports says it owns online gaming technology."

"The problem is simple: The #%@$# Patent Office is handing out exclusive rights so broad and general they cover everything. And greedy attorneys are in a frenzy. If the trend continues, innovation will be halted."

"A patent is supposed to protect intellectual property, something truly innovative. But here's what's going on: Common business practices -- like bargaining for a hotel room or speeding up a purchase -- are automated by software and owners claim a 'new' invention."

Complete Story

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