It terrifies me that even disclosing that you are attempting to understand a patent implies you intend to infringe upon it. It's as close to a thoughtcrime as possible without peeking into our heads. Worst of all, this is only happening thanks to our modern age of information sharing[1], which helps encourage innovation.
Even if this topic covered was complex enough such that a patent was warranted, this is still disturbing as this accusation of patent infringement aims to directly halt the understanding of any of the innovations at play. Patents are an exclusive right granted in exchange for detailed public disclosure of the invention - to promote understanding and innovation is their purpose!
This wasn't angled towards mass production, just simply understanding and spreading knowledge - a fundamentally important concept in our knowledged based field.
[1]: Quote: "Also, as I'm sure you are aware, your blogpost may be viewed internationally. As a result, you may contribute to someone infringing our patents in any part of the world."
This is the double bind. You can't go looking because you're penalized.
Yet the PTO and patent community refers to patents as "teachings". I continually heard that. "This patent 456 teaches that yadda yadda bing-bap-boom" and your very soul (well, professional career) is pillar-of-salt material if you even go look.
And yet, none of the really hard stuff seems to be patented. Or I could just be bitter. Or both :-)
"Let's see if someone's got prior art on (super whiz-bang technology)." Click, page, click . . .
"Wait, no--"
"Oh crap, I just read someone's hash table patent. Pass me another mind-wipe pill, would you?"
"Sigh. I'll have them hire another lawyer downstairs."
Which is what it's really about these days. Ka-ching, baby.
Even if this topic covered was complex enough such that a patent was warranted, this is still disturbing as this accusation of patent infringement aims to directly halt the understanding of any of the innovations at play. Patents are an exclusive right granted in exchange for detailed public disclosure of the invention - to promote understanding and innovation is their purpose!
This wasn't angled towards mass production, just simply understanding and spreading knowledge - a fundamentally important concept in our knowledged based field.
[1]: Quote: "Also, as I'm sure you are aware, your blogpost may be viewed internationally. As a result, you may contribute to someone infringing our patents in any part of the world."