Summary: New lows for the USPTO as public opinion shifts against it and patent lawyers, the rising robber barons in technology, struggle to keep the status quo

The patent lawyers crowd finds that "Micron has just received its own patent covering a "system and method for controlling user access to an electronic device." U.S. Patent No 8,352,745 issued in January 2013 but claims priority to an original application filed in February 2000 and lists Jim McKeeth as inventor."

But Apple insists it has invented the concept.

Pamela Jones suggests: "This is why the solution to the software patent problem is to get rid of all software patents. We can't just have the USPTO pick better ones to grant while denying the silly ones. Clearly, they have no clue which is which."

The USPTO is under a lot of pressure these days and it does feel the heat based on its actions. Another lawyers' site touches the subject by saying that "Fed. Circ. Aims For Clear Rules On Software Patents". Mark Cuban's views on the subject are quickly spreading to more outlets:

Outspoken billionaire Mark Cuban is not happy with the current state of the American patent system and he is speaking out against its current state.

In an interview with TechCrunch Cuban says the current patent system is full of “dumb*ss patents [that] are crushing small businesses.”

Mark Cuban feels so passionate about his patent fight that he has teamed up with the Electronic Frontier Foundation to “eliminate stupid patents” that leave company’s shelling out millions of dollars for the right to use basic technology advances.

According to Cuban he is simply trying to “get the message to politicians that patent trolls are costing taxpayers… and small businesses money that could otherwise be used for innovation and creating jobs.”

Cuban [1, 2, 3] gave money to the cause, which he deserves credit for. He did this out of self interest, but many share his pain, so his battle of self interest is the opposite of patent lawyers'.

Over in New Zealand, Matt Adams from pro-software patents firm AJ Park [1, 2, 3, 4] keeps promoting the other side's 'cause' (so-called "patent buff" is just a patent profiteer) because just some months ago when Craig Foss stuck his nose in matters he does not seem to understand the lawyers thought they had gotten the upper hand. Let's fight to ensure they never get their way. ⬆