Alva Review-Courier -

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

(THE CONVERSATION) Last month, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued its 10 millionth patent. But are all of these patents helping society? The American patent system was designed initially to stimulate innovation, but some citizens now argue that it’s actually hurting innovation, limiting access to technology and promoting unethical areas of research and innovation. These critics are making their voices heard through courtroom challenges, legislative hearings and even street...