I actually ran into this absurdity yesterday, but delayed posting it until I could see if it was really so... alas, it is. Basically, the patent in question covers an ethical system, with direct application to artifical intelligence.

I don't really care what it's application is: how in the world can you justify patenting an ethical system? How in the world could the USPTO grant such a patent with a straight face?

If you still don't think the system in broken, read on ....

New Patent issued for Ten Ethical Laws of Robotics [Science Blog]
1:09:14 AM     comment []