A couple of weeks ago, in a case titled KSR International vs Teleflex,
the Supreme Court ordered the Patent Office to start enforcing the
actual laws as written, and to quit granting patents for "obvious" 
techniques like Amazon's one-click ordering.  

According to some articles, this was "shocking" to patent attorneys.  
I guess so ... they've been accustomed to making millions off nonsense.  

Actually it is shocking, and cause for celebration, when any part of 
our court system takes a step that makes life harder for thieves 
and a little easier for honest folks. Usually the deck is stacked 
in favor of the thieves.

I wonder if this decision will make life a little easier for one of our
friends here, who has been suffering the slings and arrows of
a frivolous patent claim on an "obvious" technique?  

Here's the decision itself:
[

http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/06pdf/04-1350.pdf](http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/06pdf/04-1350.pdf)

Hi ockham

Finally,  the winds of change are blowing!

Peace
Patorak

 Could it be that they're getting as tired as we are, of "stupid" suits? I hope so! Lou.

Don't hold your breath..it won't last :( It's the devious and obscure things that are the bread and butter to lawyers..they aren't going to let 'simple' and 'obvious' things get by. Why..if the law were simple and obvious, we wouldn't NEED lawyers, would we ?? :(

"Why..if the law were simple and obvious, we wouldn't NEED lawyers, would we ?? :("

You got it.  Lawyers are only needed because other lawyers exist.

You need a plumber when your pipes go bad; you need a doctor when your
body gets sick; you need a mechanic when your car fails; you need a programmer
when you want to do something new with your computer.  Other professions
serve actual and useful purposes, but the ONLY time you need a lawyer 
is when some other lawyer is coming after you.

It's a self-sustaining profession.

And self-perpetuating.

they already slapped down some guys who were trying to patent poser clothing methods. there's definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

Quote - Other professions
serve actual and useful purposes, but the ONLY time you need a lawyer 
is when some other lawyer is coming after you.

It's a self-sustaining profession.

Never been charged with a crime, or had to write a contract, I take it.

Attached Link: Patent trolls