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

[Nick Sabalausky via Digitalmars-d]

On 9/2/2014 4:10 PM, Walter Bright wrote:
>
> 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.
>

Bureaucratic scams at their finest... :/

> 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.
>

Bureaucratic inefficiency and insanity at their finest... :/

Doesn't this go AGAINST the USPTO's very own current rules? At least 
according to what Joel on Software said regarding "Ask Patents".

Fucking USPTO.