IBM's New Initiative Could Change the Patent Process

Intellectual property lawyers are praising a recent decision by IBM to publish its patents on the Web as an important first step in reforming the patent process and reducing litigation. IBM, which earns $1 billion annually from IP, plans to make all of its patent applications public online 18 months after filing. It also intends to clearly register all patents and applications in the company name. IBM's policies could have a major effect on limiting litigation -- if they are the beginning of a trend.

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