Posted by: Anonymous Coward
on September 16, 2006 02:44 AM
"Here I disagree: You should never hold back any information, just because it *could* be bad. Isn't that one of the basics of free software?"
I think you're missing the point on this. It isn't about withholding information, it's about using it in the most effective way.
If prior art is disclosed through this open system, Richard suggests it will be used to work around the example. After being reviewed by the patent office, a judge will probably not allow this prior art to be discussed further.
If on the other hand prior art is revealed only when necessary (and not sooner) it will be both more effective and shared. The judge will be more likely to consider it when rejecting a patent, and it will not be "held back" any longer.
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Re:I wanna do 'good' things ..
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on September 16, 2006 02:44 AMYou should never hold back any information, just because it *could* be bad. Isn't that one of the basics of free software?"
I think you're missing the point on this. It isn't about withholding information, it's about using it in the most effective way.
If prior art is disclosed through this open system, Richard suggests it will be used to work around the example. After being reviewed by the patent office, a judge will probably not allow this prior art to be discussed further.
If on the other hand prior art is revealed only when necessary (and not sooner) it will be both more effective and shared. The judge will be more likely to consider it when rejecting a patent, and it will not be "held back" any longer.
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