We are largely in agreement. Four years after approval is too long, but four years after public disclosure works. That said, I think any argument for software and process patents is intrinsically weak.
The sole advantage of approaching the issue by limiting term length is ease of legislative implementation. Somehow I think the ideal number -- a term length of zero -- wouldn't fly.
Authored Comments
We are largely in agreement. Four years after approval is too long, but four years after public disclosure works. That said, I think any argument for software and process patents is intrinsically weak.
The sole advantage of approaching the issue by limiting term length is ease of legislative implementation. Somehow I think the ideal number -- a term length of zero -- wouldn't fly.