%0 Journal Article %J Technology Innovation Management Review %D 2011 %T Software Patents: Current Challenges and Future Solutions %A Monica Goyal %K innovation %K patent system %K software patents %X Software patents for years have been used in the software industry to suppress innovation, kill competition, and generate undeserved royalties. This article considers whether software patents maintain the right “bargain between the inventor and the public” where, in exchange for disclosure of the invention to the public, the inventor receives a limited monopoly and the exclusive right to exploit the invention. This article argues that they do not and then explores possible solutions to address the problems identified. Those solutions include streamlining the patent process, making it more difficult to patent software innovations, making it easier to invalidate software patents, and shortening the patent protection from 20 to 10 years. The article closes with a call to action for people to work collectively to effect change in the industry. %B Technology Innovation Management Review %I Talent First Network %C Ottawa %V 1 %P 18-22 %8 12/2011 %U http://timreview.ca/article/503 %N 3 %1 My Legal Briefcase Monica Goyal is a Toronto-based lawyer and a softwarenology entrepreneur who founded My Legal Briefcase, an online legal service firm focused on small claims court cases. After graduating from her undergraduate degree from the University of Waterloo, where she was a Dean's List Scholar, Monica attended Stanford University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Monica also holds a law degree from the University of Toronto. Monica's volunteer work with organizations such as Griffin Centre, Adventure Place, Downtown Legal Services, and Pro Bono Law Canada has given her insight into the accessibility and affordability of legal needs for the marginalized. She developed My Legal Briefcase to empower individuals going to Small Claims Court. %R http://doi.org/10.22215/timreview/503