Patent absurdity (recidivus)

["Rob, grandpa of Ryan, Trevor, Devon & Hannah" <rmslade () shaw ca>]

An interesting infographic, showing patent cooperation (some) and conflict (a 
whole mess).

http://visual.ly/tech-patent-wars

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669900/infographic-sweet-jesus-the-patent-war-has-
gotten-crazy

I found this on the same day I found out about Apple patenting the iPen:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=apples-next-invention-the-ipen-
2012-05&WT.mc_id=SA_CAT_TECH_20120529

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57440736-37/apple-tinkers-with-ipen-stylus-
and-haptic-feedback/

Which is personally annoying.  For some time I have wanted some form of smart 
pen (or pencil: I'm not picky) that will actually write on paper, but also store what 
you wrote.  (It's the way I do most of the initial research for my reviews.)  No, I 
don't want a pad and stylus: just the pen.  I can download the notes later (probably 
via USB).

The precursors of this came out a while back.  The mere existence of Apple's 
patent is probably the reason they haven't developed.  Whether Apple intends to 
do anything with it or not.

For some time I have been engaged in various contracts involving the breaking of 
old patents.  As an author, I naturally have some sympathy for the protection of 
intellectual property.  But the further I go in this field, the more I am beginning to 
think that the entire concept is hopelessly and inherently flawed ...

======================  (quote inserted randomly by Pegasus Mailer)
rslade () vcn bc ca     slade () victoria tc ca     rslade () computercrime org
`Who hath dared to wound thee?' cried the giant; `tell me, that I
may take my big sword and slay him.'
`Nay!' answered the child, `but these are wounds of love.'
                                  - `The Selfish Giant,' Oscar Wilde
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