I found out about this great rant about patents and SPAM from my friend and colleague Bill Loguidice. In this piece, Robert x. Cringely makes some excellent points about patents and the CAN-SPAM act.

The first part describes the perils of inventors who worry too much about patents instead of remaining inventive. Apparently, the Wright Bros. did this and ended up losing all of their credibility in the field (or, maybe, above the field).

The next part describes the CAN-SPAM act, and how it will hurt U.S. companies and help overseas SPAMmers. Cringely maintains that SPAM can't be stopped, and that the new measures have Orwellian dimensions (phone tapping to "protect us" from unwanted callers, etc.)

What is particularly unsettling about the article is the last bit. Unsurprisingly, the patent system greatly advantages the wealthy and makes it near-impossible for the average man to pursue companies infringing on his or her patent.

p.s. I'm going to be on vacation starting this Monday. Won't be back until next week.