> Yup, that's the whole point of patent. To be able to "own" ideas, so nobody else can compete.
No, it's to own _your invention_ so someone else (with more money) can't mass-produce your invention while you're only able to produce and sell in Peoria.
Are many patents rubbish in one form or another? Yes. Are some patents nothing more than an "idea" without an invention? Yes.
Does that mean all patents are just an "idea"? NO.
Invention != Idea.
> Patents in general are a mistake IMHO.
We can and should improve the patent system by shortening the term lengths, denying "obvious" patents, limiting the ability of someone to patent an invention that they never exploit (i.e. build and sell).
None of that means we should toss out patents entirely.
No, it's to own _your invention_ so someone else (with more money) can't mass-produce your invention while you're only able to produce and sell in Peoria.
Are many patents rubbish in one form or another? Yes. Are some patents nothing more than an "idea" without an invention? Yes.
Does that mean all patents are just an "idea"? NO.
Invention != Idea.
> Patents in general are a mistake IMHO.
We can and should improve the patent system by shortening the term lengths, denying "obvious" patents, limiting the ability of someone to patent an invention that they never exploit (i.e. build and sell).
None of that means we should toss out patents entirely.