Cognition Machine

There has been building pressure for some time now for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to change its policies regarding software patenting. A great example of a terrible patent granted by the USPTO is this one where they thought someone could patent the concept of what amounts to creating a list in a database.  Those of you in the tech field will instantly recognize this as shear idiocy.

So, in an effort to “clean house” the USPTO has taken on a new position regarding software patents, which just happens to possibly invalidate a host of patents by Google, Microsoft and other large high-tech companies.

Not only does this potentially allow for the competitive advantage of these large corporations to be largely undone, it also presents the possibility that new, innovative companies trying to protect their cool, new software inventions will have to operate in stealth mode to avoid being picked apart by larger companies that can take an idea and execute on it faster by throwing a ton of resources at it.

Now imagine what it means for the video game industry that thrives on keeping the competitive advantage in the marketplace by using patents to prevent others from innovating off an idea.  With so many ideas up for grabs, there could be a wonderful influx of new innovations, and companies that lose their hold over a patent will need to focus on innovation and execution to stay ahead of the curve.  Should be an interesting ride.

~ by Dwayne Rudy on July 24, 2008.