patents
Has the patent process been patented?
<p>After reading <a href="https://patents.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic">What topics can I ask about here?</a> in Patents SE I've decided this question is off-topic there, so I'll ask here.</p>
<p>Has there been an application for a process patent for the <em>patenting process itself?</em></p>
<p>It would probably be beneficial to license it freely, but I'm just curious if such an application has been filed, and if so, if one was granted.</p>

<p>Yes, in a sense. One patent is <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US7444589B2/en" rel="noreferrer">US 7444589</a> <em>Automated patent office documentation</em> by AT&amp;T. Another is <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US6434580B1/en" rel="noreferrer">US 6434580B1</a> <em>System, method, and recording medium for drafting and preparing patent specifications</em> from NEC.</p>
<p>In most locations patents on a business method are not allowed but, although controversial, they are allowed in the U.S.</p>
<p>Of course the fundamental requirement for patentablity is to be new. Since patenting itself is very old any patent on the topic would need to cover some narrow aspect, like the AT&amp;T and NEC patents. I do not understand the assumption that such a patent would necessarily be licensed freely.</p>

<p>The governments that implement the patent process all have sovereign immunity from patent infringement liability that would bar any suit to enforce such an alleged patent.</p>
