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Why would you artificially encumber a significant invention from benefitting the world just because you don't have the wherewithal to sell it?

Seems awfully self-centered.

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The patent system certainly needs reform, but I think more along the lines of what gets accepted as a patent. Discovering what I would describe as a 'natural law' should not be patentable (but I think happens everyday), and those ideas should not be kept from human progress, imho. There's a line between research paper and patent, that I believe is blurred for profit.

But a true invention, a novel use of those laws, should be patentable. Are you saying that if you discover a novel use of natural laws, a product that could be capitalized, your own unique idea, that you should not be able to capitalize on it? Maybe this would work in a trek economy, but not with capitalism.

If your worried about innovation, how innovative could we be if discoveries/inventions were squandered because there are no protections if you happen to even mention your idea to someone?

I mean the patent is public information. If you want to have a go at selling it, buy it or license it from me and have at it. Otherwise, invent your own idea or wait for mine to expire.

Or I could lobby for patent reform so one person doesn't hold up the progress of everyone else via selfishness.

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