what can we do about this? this is seriously pissing me off...
as with the US patent system, patent lawyers understand the loopholes in the patent system, quite well. The systematic deregulation of the patent office since 1953 has caused some severe headaches, and the erosion of innovation in the US, because we no longer have to demonstrate tangibility in order for a patent to be valid.
So now we live in a world, where basically any "process" can be patented, and through international strong-arming amongst the remaining G7 nations, patent systems have mostly become compatible, in this regard.
Keep in mind, that China has no such restrictions.
Feel that lump in your throat?
-Thom