[Ldsoss] Dare I say it ... patents ...

[Shane Hathaway]

Thomas Haws wrote:
> The other day I had one of those Big Ideas (for a mass-produced solar
> cooker gadget) and my thoughts automatically started to go down the
> Patent path.  I had to correct myself by remembering that any
> innovation I introduce is for the whole world (to glorify the Father)
> and not for my own benefit.
> 
> But on further reflection, I remember that Patenting as a defensive
> move is wise.  One can secure a patent for the express purpose of
> keeping a technology Free, lest a more selfish person patent it in the
> vacuum.

AFAIK, publishing the plans for your invention in a major trade journal 
has the same defensive effect.  If you publish before someone else 
acquires a patent on the same idea, the patent is invalid.

Shane