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

[Russel Winder via Digitalmars-d]

On Tue, 2014-09-02 at 13:10 -0700, Walter Bright via Digitalmars-d
wrote:
[…]
> Ok, I finally got the Patent Office on the horn.
> 
> They said this is an "ex partae" thing, where until the patent is granted, I am 
> not allowed to be part of the process. Only after a patent is granted can I file 
> a prior art notice.

[…]

Well this seems proof incontrovertible that the USA patent system is
well bu######.

> However, I was able to notify the inventor, J. Duffy, of the prior art, and he 
> acknowledged receipt of my email. He is legally obliged to notify the Patent 
> Examiner of any relevant prior art.
> 
> I don't think there's anything I can do further at this point. We'll see what 
> happens.
> 
> The status of the patent can be found at:
> 
> http://portal.uspto.gov/pair/PublicPair
> 
> Click on "Publication Number" and enter 20140196008 in the search box. Then 
> click on "Image File Wrapper".

It seems that as ever the USPTO grants all well formed patent
applications and leaves it to the courts to deal with validity. What a
f##### up system totally biased in favour of lawyers making large
profits in all circumstances.


Well done Walter for doing what can be done in such a stupid system.


-- 
Russel.
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