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I. Introduction

In many jurisdictions, patents are now published 18 months after filing, making it harder to stay "submerged." 1229009

A submarine patent is a patent application kept intentionally pending for an extended period by filing broad claims and continuous amendments. I. Introduction In many jurisdictions

Shifting the patent term to 20 years from the filing date (rather than 17 years from the issuance date) removes the incentive to delay. 1229009

Submarine patents undermine the spirit of the patent system by stifling innovation and creating legal uncertainty, necessitating modern reforms to ensure "submarine" tactics remain a relic of the past. II. The Mechanism of the "Submerge"