I just sent the comment below to the White House.gov site. The White House.gov site is not as up to speed as it could be however. For example, there is no listing of the BP Gusher in the list of topics for the public to click and comment on. That is an oversight - but the fact that our Federal Government has such a site at all is to be applauded.
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This is a recommendation concerning the solicitation of public remedy recommendations for the BP oil gusher in the Gulf and Patent Law,
President Obama should issue an executive order suspending the US and (if possible through treaty) international Patent Laws which preclude/jeopardize patentability after public disclosure.
Such an executive order in this emergency situation may encourage publication of remedial ideas which individuals have which they are reluctant to offer – because under present patent rules if the idea works the idea may lose aspects of its patentability for the fact that it was made public.
Such an executive order would also bolster Mr. Obama's pro-active stance as a leader.
Good luck.
Best, Jeff B.