A good point, as well, Torvecian, and it is hard to say whether the bill is passed, as the terminology requires more research in my opinion. There were some statements in the article that implied some if it may already be in place as there are over 1.2 million already posted on the internet.
I am not familiar with the differences between a patent that is "localized" to only our country and a "global patent". Is there some kind of global patent office or is it just another higher status to allow litigation in other countries? How could this be with all the different countries and governments and political motivations? As we still don't have any kind of global ruling body, how could it possibly work?
Yes, Sir, strange world indeed. However, Jupiter is far less hospitable... ;)
-Neb