🚀 go-pugleaf

Assuming that we're not going to abolish the patent system anytime
soon, and that software patents for obvious things are going to be
issues -- Has anybody studied the use and abuse of the patent system
in other industries?  I seem to remember that the electronics industry
has to deal with abusive patents all the time, but nonetheless it
seems to be able to maintain a high level of innovation.  How do they
avoid being unduly hampered by the patent system?

I seem to remember that: IBM often deals with the patent system by
signing blanket cross-licensing agreements with other companies.
Since IBM has a zillion patents covering all aspects of computers,
everybody has to sign cross-licensing agreements with them, and so IBM
isn't hampered by other companies' patents.  And other companies
aren't hampered by IBM's patents.

Of course, if somebody knows the facts, I'd be glad to hear them...

Dale

Dale Worley		Compass, Inc.			worley@compass.com
--
"...lights are growing dim...I know a life of crime led me to
 this sorry fate...and yet...I blame society.  Society made me
 what I am."
"That's bullshit.  You're a white suburban punk just like me."
"But it still . .  .   hurts .  .   . "
-- Duke & Otto, "Repo_Man"