Bill Gross patent's bond index method

[murphy_p_t]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-0 ... ethod.html

I've never been that concerned w/ libertainian arguments to eliminate patents...but maybe i should think some on this.

Are patents a significant factor in the financial markets?

[Peak2Trough]

Without getting into a quasi-political discussion on the absurdity of certain patent approvals these days, I think the answer to your question is "Yes" it will be a significant factor.  Look at what patent litigation has done to wireless and handheld markets... there are no "little" players anymore.

Moreover, what you're alluding to is already happening... to wit:

http://www.indexuniverse.com/sections/f ... mtree.html

Now, bear in mind I'm not saying that *these* patents are absurd - I honestly don't know enough about them to judge.  But given what has happened in software patents, I see some clear potential for abuse, and where potential and money combine, you have certainty in the outcome.