U. S. Patent System Reform, Abuse and Disputes

Congressional interest in patent reform has increased as the patent system becomes more significant to U.S. industry. Patent ownership is perceived as an incentive to the technological advancement that leads to economic growth. Yet, this augmented attention to patents has been accompanied by persistent concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the current system. Several studies, including those by the National Academy of Sciences and the Federal Trade Commission, recommended reform of the patent system to address perceived deficiencies in the operation of the patent regime. This book provides an overview of current patent reform issues including a summary of the structure of the current patent system and the role of patents in innovation policy. Also discussed are patent quality, the high costs of patent litigation, international harmonisation, and speculation in patents, which have motivated the reform proposals.