EFF Launches New Patent Reform Project to Defend Innovation

I'm stunned - but encouraged - that reducing the patent lifespan of a 'method invention implemented on a computer' (aka software patent) is in there. I think it's the best way to get this change through while helping to improve the present system.

There will be some people who think that the turnaround time on a five-year patent pretty-much precludes all applications - with allowance happening just as the patent comes to the end of your patent's monopoly period, you don't gain much for making the patent application. However, it doesn't matter if you're going to use the exclusivity to draw rent from people who license your invention - you've still got to have that exclusivity.

K3n.