Peer-to-Patent in Christian Science Monitor

In an article titled "Has the US patent system gone too far?", James Turner of the Christian Science Monitor discusses strategic changes in the landscape of the technology industry, including the "kind of uneasy 'mutually assured destruction' standoff among giants such as IBM and Microsoft, each holding patents that could be used against the other."  Turner also notes issues related to the emergence of IP holding companies and developments at the individual inventor level.  The article discusses administrative burdens at the PTO, proposed legislation to solve problems such as application backlog and inefficiencies associated with a first-to-invent system, and the potential effects of the Federal Circuit's recent Bilski decision. Peer-to-Patent is mentioned as a positive step in the reduction of examiners' workloads.  The article notes the current applicant consent requirement for Peer-to-Patent.  We'd like to thank all of the companies, large and small, and the inventors who have submitted their applications to the program so far, and strongly encourage anyone who may be considering submitting an application for peer review to contact us with any questions (info@peertopatent.org), or download the consent form here.