Re: ripped off by the evil empire

[Richard Stallman <rms@gnu.org>]

    Thus my previous question; can portions of a patent (i.e., specific claims,
    I presume) be invalidated, or if any portion is deemed invalid must the
    inventor reformulate and reapply for a new patent?

Normally, I believe, each claim in the patent stands or falls on its
own.  However, lying to the patent office may change the issue; if
you can demonstrate that, maybe it would cause the patent to be
entirely rejected, or even more serious punishment.

    Could this be the beginning of a movement?

We made one attempt to start a movement against software patents--the
League for Programming Freedom.  It didn't take off, that time.  But
if enough people are interested, it would be great to make another
try.