[citation][nom]velocityg4[/nom]For one thing. Since the patent system wasn't meant to hinder innovation. Computing tech patents need to have much shorter lifespans given how quickly the landscape changes. It's not like a loom, harvester or cotton gin were increasing exponentially every year or two. Computer tech patents should be one to two years.They should also be specific, require a functioning product and be a significant development. Not something silly like swipe to unlock, slight variation in design, or appearance of a case. In regards to cases that is something more for a trademark or copyright. Patents should be reserved for software and hardware like the first GUI, mouse, LCD, facial recognition, &c.[/citation]
you have to make a difference between corporate and individual patents too. an individual may not be able to get a working product out, but could to the research and possibly find the solution that a corporation didn't.
i don't believe patents should be buyable in tech, if a company goes under, public domain.