Joho the Blog
An Entry from the Archives

Patents are the fire.

• Some people are complaining about the smog and pollution.
• Some people are complaining about the heat.
• Some people believe the fire is out of control, some don't.
• Steam powered industries are naturally keen to keep the fires well stoked.
• Nuclear powered industries believe they have a cleaner fuel, but it's actually worse.
• Solar and hydro-electric powered industries have converted from the evils of steam, and now no longer believe it's necessary.
• And some people believe it is inherently unsafe to set fire to anything in the first place, and that all fires should be put out immediately.

Abolish patents.

David:

I won't defend the Bush Administration's proposed legislation; I don't know anything about it, and I wouldn't be surprised if it were another handout to market incumbents. That being said, I am unconvinced by the arguments made in either of the above posts, both of which seem overly credulous of small inventors' claims (which are often fueled by egomania and self-delusion) and also overly fond of the notion that every good idea should be someone's private property.

Public-minded patent reform is desperately needed, particularly in software. No one disputes the fact that too many patents are being granted, and few dispute that the glut of junk patents is hindering innovation.