These policies are headed in the right direction. But the real road to patent reform starts by strengthening knowledge of scientists, engineers and the technicians who assist them in the identification and protection of patentable inventions. There is currently too much emphasis on patent counsel.

Scientists and engineers have been taught little or nothing in school about patents. The legal profession and courts do not embrace "plain talk" about patent law. This results a massive gap in knowledge between the employee-inventor and patent counsel --- a gap that is not overcome simply by allocating 90% of patent drafting to patent counsel --- a currently irrational practice by any measure, be it speed, value, cost or quality. In an internet-centric world, the previous generation of tools for patent drafting and management are made obsolete. Can staid in-house legal departments lead a new charge? It doesn't mean less work for counsel. It means better results.

"We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo