2) That example MUST BE PRODUCED TO THE COURT should the patent owner sue
over
it. With exceptions where the example has been accidentally destroyed etc
etc.
Why allow for destruction?
I'd suggest:
2) The
example produced with the filing would be returned sealed by the USPTO for safe
keeping of the patent holder. That example MUST BE PRODUCED TO THE COURT WITH
THE SEAL INTACT should the patent holder sue. The court may unseal to get
access to the example but the example would be held by the court until such time
as the case is over when it would reseal it.
For software, the example could
be stored on media, but the patent holder is required to provide the hardware to
be able to run it. Should the example not work, or be unable to be provided,
the patent would automatically be ended and put into the public domain with the
case dismissed with prejudice (and costs awarded) against the patent holder who
sued.
To put it another way, the working example form part of the patent and
if unavailable (as a working example), the patent becomes void. [ Reply to This | Parent | # ]
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