Patent system officials and lawyers tend to view these criticisms as seriously missing the point. They argue that these citizen critics do not understand how the patent system works: the system is focused simply on recognizing the novelty, creativity, and usefulness of inventions. This attitude is also built into the rules and processes of the system, which make it nearly impossible for average citizens to participate, except by applying for patents.
Which argument does Shobita Parthasarathy make with her statements about “citizens” in the paragraph above?
Responses
A The very idea of the patent system was about public engagement.The very idea of the patent system was about public engagement.
B The citizen would not have been excluded if they were European.The citizen would not have been excluded if they were European.
C Ignoring the citizen in the U.S. patent system causes public distrust.Ignoring the citizen in the U.S. patent system causes public distrust.
D Today’s citizen is more responsible and yet dissatisfied with technology.Today’s citizen is more responsible and yet dissatisfied with technology.