These observations about who has to get a license from whom when a very basic idea is patented, are a very good argument for simply publishing the basic ideas. Then they cannot be patented by others. Anyone who successfully makes something practical will be able to get a specific or application type patent, but the basic idea remains free for all to use.
This seems the best way for progress to occur.
Just my thoughts.
Dave Cooper
Created on Monday, February 19, 2001 12:57 AM EDT by David Cooper