On Mon, 2011-10-24 at 22:51 -0500, Chante wrote:
[ . . . ]
> Simply keep it a secret ("trade secret"). First-to-file allows Big
> Softare Corp to claim rights to things which they have no proprietary
> right to. But I'm not read-up on this stuff, I'm just spouting feelings.
> My feelings are that I've been sold-out, betrayed, raped (but I won't
> know for sure if those feelings are correct until I figure this stuff
> out).I am not a lawyer, but do work as an expert witness -- normally in the UK, the laws of which are very different regarding patents than the US. I would suggest that your gut feeling is about spot on. First-to-file is a beautiful manoeuvre by Big Money to take complete control of the patent system. The "little guy" for whom the patent system is touted as being for (usually by Big Money!), is effectively sidelined since now Big Money can nigh on remove any competition for patents by threats of high cost legal action. This is making sure that patents are by Big Money for Big Money. I have always preferred "commercial secret" and binding NDAs for dealing with proprietary software. With the US system evolving as it is, and the pressure Big Money is putting on the UK and EU systems, my belief is being massively reinforced. -- Russel. ============================================================================= Dr Russel Winder t: +44 20 7585 2200 voip: sip:russel.win...@ekiga.net 41 Buckmaster Road m: +44 7770 465 077 xmpp: rus...@russel.org.uk London SW11 1EN, UK w: www.russel.org.uk skype: russel_winder
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