Patents
From Pete Ashdown Campaign Collaboration Wiki
The current patent system, especially as it applies to fields such as software, is horribly broken. Large companies are regularly extorted by patent trolls. Small inventors are regularly restricted from engaging in invention because patents have been granted for overly broad, vague, or already in use practices. Because the USPTO is funded by the sale of these monopolies, it is encouraged to grant as many patents as possible, even for devices that violate the known limitations of physics and mathematics.
Given current national initiatives to reform the patent system, I believe it is critical to make sure that Utah's voice is heard on panels, and in ongoing discussions. I propose a multi-phase approach that uses this Wiki and other forums to compile a "living document" set of Utah patent interests that will be compiled into a unified Utah patent statement. I will use this to make sure that anyone, and everyone I represent has a voice on these issues. I foresee my personal role in representing that State of Utah in ongoing patent reformation debates.
Peer review is an essential part of patent reform, but also carries the risk of theft before finalization. This could be handled by changing the patent system to concept approval before design approval. That is, being granted protection of a concept that can be demonstrated before moving on to the specifics of how it works. In addition, peer councils and public Internet collaboration would be a good way to sort the wheat from the chaff in regards to frivolous patents.
