None of the almost 3,000 breakthrough patents that IBM receives each year are ever mentioned, yet a slight fluctuation in the company's valuation is immediately commented upon. In the nation of day traders, few actually understand technology, but everybody follows the Nasdaq. And, as of late, it's not even the stock prices that are taking the spotlight, but rather the endless string of lawsuits. Everybody is suing everybody. Governments are going after monopolies, real and imaginary.
Companies file suits and countersuits alleging patent infringement.
Common folks read these stories with much interest without having a slightest clue about the technical issues involved. Watching stock tickers and reading legal briefs is a lot more fun anyway. Stanislav Kelman is a mechanical engineer by education and trade, and a computer enthusiast in his spare time. He maintains a list of his past technology-related editorials on TechOpinion.org . He also invites you to visit LetItBe.org , a site where you can learn more about him than you might care to know.