Comment Live by the sword, die by the sword (Score 2, Informative) 423
Companies such as Apple and Creative all live by the sword when it comes to Intellectual Property, so they can die by it too.
Obviously, without the concept of and ability to protect IP, there would be little to no incentive to research and develop and thus it must exist.
I am not convinced, however, that the balance required - to realise maximum public utility - is realised under the current system.
I think that the current patenting system offers to much protection for broad, in many cases inherent, ideas for too long.
I suppose the fault is partially due to the fact that those who grant these patents cannot be an expert in all fields and cannot therefore easily come to fully considered judgements when it comes to awarding rights.
Obviously, without the concept of and ability to protect IP, there would be little to no incentive to research and develop and thus it must exist.
I am not convinced, however, that the balance required - to realise maximum public utility - is realised under the current system.
I think that the current patenting system offers to much protection for broad, in many cases inherent, ideas for too long.
I suppose the fault is partially due to the fact that those who grant these patents cannot be an expert in all fields and cannot therefore easily come to fully considered judgements when it comes to awarding rights.
