There are so many bogus claims in patent applications these days it's kind of nice to see an application that comes right out and admits it (via The Volokh Conspiracy):
9. The method of providing user interface displays in an image forming apparatus which is really a bogus claim included amongst real claims, and which should be removed before filing; wherein the claim is included to determine if the inventor actually read the claims and the inventor should instruct the attorneys to remove the claim.Posted by bug to Intellectual Property at November 1, 2006 5:42 PM | TrackBack
I read this as the inventor is claiming a METHOD to insert a bogus claim to see if the inventor READS the claims and then tells the attorney to remove it. In other words, it's a claim of a method that can be used by attorneys to test the inventor for diligence. I don't see anything wrong with it.
Posted by: Ed at May 29, 2007 1:49 PMCute theory, but from a quick read of the patent it looks like it's a pretty standard patent on a UI for a copier with custom novice / advanced user screens. No mention in the text about being used by patent attorneys.
Posted by: Bug at May 30, 2007 12:07 PM