[OT] Microsoft filled patent applications for scoped and immutable types

[Paolo Invernizzi via Digitalmars-d]

On Friday, 29 August 2014 at 02:10:40 UTC, Brad Roberts via 
Digitalmars-d wrote:
> On 8/27/2014 12:11 AM, via Digitalmars-d wrote:
>
> In the US, filing a patent app requires about $10k and a good 
> lawyer. It's not in the realm of most small entities to do.  
> It's a seriously bad use of $10k.  The best defense is prior 
> art, and there's a ton of it.  I say this having my name on a 
> handful of applications and one granted patent.

Once the patent is granted, it would take a LOT of money to prove 
that it's invalid: usually you do that when you are forced by the 
fact that the patent holder has brought you in front of a judge.

A much better strategy is to file the patent office the prior art 
_during_ the examination: or the patent is not granted, or it's 
stated _on paper_ that the patent does not comprehend what you 
have indicated as prior art, that usually it's related to your 
business (and it's a no-costs action).

Well, if ignored, you can bring that action in front of the judge 
at least!

So, Walter, go ahead with filing documentation to the USPO.

---
Paolo