Many observers have opined that our system of examining and issuing patents has gotten out of control and that overworked patent examiners are allowing overly broad patents to be issued. Consequently, there are those who believe our patent system is producing patents that have the potential to quell innovation in a variety of areas, most notably the Internet.
While there is some cause for concern, these fears are for the most part unwarranted. To the contrary, our patent laws foster innovation by allowing companies to stake out IP rights and thereby protect their investments in research and development.
