A number of them are around and causing problems - see http://www.ipwatchdog.com/2016/07/17/...

Thanks for the book tip I always say that term limits have to apply to bureaucrats as much or more than members of congress.

I think the lost business opportunity seems to make sense, however the government is insulated from this and probably any monetary damages except possible the fees they received.

What do you do when conspiracy theories become fact? Just more confirmation of the obscenity of The Shadow Gov't and it's demonstrably harsh, if not outright destructive effects on economics, business, and opportunity for all citizens. I wonder if all the Directors and examiners involved in the SAWS program are still in gov't employment, retired with some extra finances, or are working for an associated business or law firm?

For more information on the bureaucratic gov't, I highly recommend: "Michael Glennon’s National Security and Double Government explains why U.S. foreign policy is prone to recurring failure and resistant to genuine reform. Instead of being responsive to citizens or subject to effective checks and balances, U.S. national security policy is in fact conducted by a shadow government of bureaucrats and a supporting network of think tanks, media insiders, and ambitious policy wonks. Presidents may come and go, but the permanent national security establishment inevitably defeats their efforts to chart a new course."
Glennon, Michael J.. National Security and Double Government . Oxford University Press. Kindle Edition.

Although emphasizing the effects on Foreign Policy and National Security, The Double (Shadow) Gov't discussed exists in all areas of our gov'ts and damages all aspects of our lives.

As an aside, after reading the complaint filed with the court, I wonder why there's no attempt to go after lost business opportunity? Because it's too speculative or hard to quantify, or is it precluded legally?

I am pretty sure that at least a couple of the patent applications I worked on were part off this program. The Patent Office just stalls these applications until the client gives up. If you are really interested read this article http://www.ipwatchdog.com/2016/07/17/...

My opinion is that the program was used to manipulate the patent process to deny patents to invention the PTO did not want to explain. However, it is possible it was also used to favor certain large companies.

Does their designating patent applications as "sensitive" mean that they refuse to consider them or grant patents for the ideas at all? What do they do with them? Is there any public law related to this? Is it part of the NSA secret government operations that undermine security and privacy?

Sad - it does not appear so.

Hello DB,
Pendulum of Justice- no longer fiction.
Is there no government agency uninfected by cronies? (rhet.)
Regards,
O.A.

Haven't read it but have experienced it myself...but found a way around it. No doubt that the Patent office is just as "Crony" as the rest of the kakistocracy.

Still haven't caught up on my reading list DB...but I will get to your stuff my friend.