The US Patent Office is granting patents on generic ideas and simple concepts that rightfully belong to everyone. In some cases they grant patents on methods, algorithms and living organisms that existed long before the patent was applied for. The software industry is particularly vulnerable to examiners who do not have the background to make these kinds of decisions.
This practice is creating a system of Corporate Feudalism where you can't produce anything without paying a royalty to a some patent holder. Even large corporations are the target of "patent trolls" who lie in wait for them to do the hard work of implementing an idea only to pounce when they succeed and demand huge royalty payments. Corporations with sufficient resources can challenge a patent but it's very difficult for the rest of us.
The US Government now wants to export this system to the rest of the world under the banner of "Free Trade". In reality, this is economic Feudalism and you have to wonder how much money is being spent behind the scenes to purchase virtual fiefdoms in the world of ideas and commerce.
Congressmen and Senators depend on donations from corporatations and wealthy individuals who make money on patents to get elected. As patent abuse begins to bite some of their benefactors we may see some changes. What can the rest of us do to get their attention?