Bogus Patents

Sometimes our patent system is a real mess. The three main causes have been identified, bad incentives, abusive filers, and excessive workloads.

• The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is funded by fees—and the agency gets more fees if it approves an application.

• Unlimited opportunities to refile rejected applications means sometimes granting a patent is the only way to get rid of a persistent applicant.

• Patent examiners are given less time to review patent applications as they gain seniority, leading to less thorough reviews.

It doesn't help true innovation when there's so much wrong with the system that's supposed to help it.