In theory, patents should be narrow enough so others can "invent around" existing patents. But recently, patents are so broad that that's getting difficult.
This way, if they get sued for patent violations, they can countersue. If you're not a part of this "arms race" then you are defenseless against law suits.
This problem is particularly bad in software. A critical component can be patented. It can be challenging to discover whether something is under patent protection.
One Company's Perspective ·Patents impede innovation; open-source is better
Whereas Passage A describes the problem with patents in software from a high level, Passage B takes the perspective of one software company affected by this problem and how they are responding to it.
The company participates in the "arms race" but expresses regret. They have to do this even though they recognize that this is not good for the industry.
Passage Style
20.
In terms of what it ███████ ███ █████ ████ ███████ ██████ ████████ ██ ███ ████ █████████ ██ ███████ ██ ██ ████ ███████ ███████ ██ █████ ███ ██ ███ █████████ ███████ ██ ███████ ██
Question Type
Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea)
Structure
This question is about how passage B relates to passage A, so we should tackle it after reading both passages. When author B talks about “this same stance,” she’s referring to the strategy of stockpiling patents. We’re looking for a phrase from passage A that likewise refers to stockpiling patents.
a
nonobvious (first sentence ██ ███████ ██
This refers the kinds of inventions that author A thinks patents should be limited to. But “this same stance” refers to the practice of stockpiling patents.” Since (A) has nothing to do with stockpiling patents, it’s incorrect.
This refers to the ideal-world practice of inventing things without infringing on others’ patents. But “this same stance” refers to the real-world practice of stockpiling patents so that you have some protection if and when you do infringe on others’ patents. Since (B) has nothing to do with stockpiling patents, it’s incorrect.
c
lowered the bar ███████████████ ████████ ██ ███ ██████ █████████ ██ ███████ ██
This refers to what courts think qualifies as an non-obvious invention. But “this same stance” refers to the practice of stockpiling patents.” Since (A) has nothing to do with stockpiling patents, it’s incorrect.
This refers to how software is developed. But “this same stance” refers to the practice of stockpiling patents.” Since (A) has nothing to do with stockpiling patents, it’s incorrect.
Difficulty
92% of people who answer get this correct
This is a moderately difficult question.
It is similar in difficulty to other questions in this passage.
CURVE
Score of students with a 50% chance of getting this right
25%138
146
75%153
Analysis
Meaning in context (of word, phrase, or idea)
Structure
Comparative
Law
Answer Popularity
PopularityAvg. score
a
1%
154
b
3%
155
c
2%
156
d
92%
165
e
2%
156
Question history
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