To: WSFAlist at keithlynch.net
Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2003 23:38:09 -0400
Subject: [WSFA] patenting the obvious
From: ronkean at juno.com
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

On Sun, 22 Jun 2003 15:45:54 -0400 (EDT) "Keith F. Lynch"
<kfl at KeithLynch.net> writes:
> On Friday, someone at WSFA was slightly skeptical about the patent
> for Viagra gum.  It may be useful, but it's also obvious.  Patents are
> supposed to only be for unobvious ideas.
>

The simple idea of putting Viagra in chewing gum does seem too obvious to
merit a patent, but a quick look at the patent cited shows that the
patent includes a detailed formulation and manufacturing process for said
chewing gum.  That's probably part of why it qualified to be patented.

.

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