Internet Business Method Patents

"Internet Business Method Patents" by John R. Allison and Emerson H. Tiller: Companies operating over the Internet have aggressively pursued business method patents in recent years. While there has been much criticism about the PTO’s generosity in granting such patents, recent reforms may have curtailed much of the perceived abuse, or at least mollified many of the PTO’s critics regarding business method patents. Evidence from our recent study suggests that critics of the PTO’s handling of business method patents, at least those that are Internet-related, may have overstated the case. Also in this issue: "A Study in Contrasts: Professional Visas Under NAFTA" by Bradly J. Condon.