Re: [linux-audio-dev] a new patent to worry about

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Subject: Re: [linux-audio-dev] a new patent to worry about
From: Erik de Castro Lopo (erikd-lad_AT_mega-nerd.com)
Date: Wed Aug 25 2004 - 00:38:52 EEST

On Tue, 24 Aug 2004 16:09:37 +0000
Jennifer Dillon <dmidi_AT_l4l.ie> wrote:

> Do the new patent laws allow somebody to
> patent methods that are already in the public domain???

Currently the the USPTO is allowing just about anything to
be patented and the PTO simply doesn't have the manpower to
do proper prior art searches. This effectively means that
something already in the public domain could end up being
patented by someone.

However, if prior art existsm the patent can be challenged
and overturned.

Erik 

-- 
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
  Erik de Castro Lopo  nospam_AT_mega-nerd.com (Yes it's valid)
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
Fundamentalist : Someone who is colour blind and yet wants everyone
else to see the world with the same lack of colour.

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