I currently have ten published applications pending. The earliest was filed 1-11-02, and the application published 11-14-02, and it STILL has not issued, while the Billable Hours clock continues to run with A Certain Well-Known Firm.
I am SO glad I am going to retire in a year or two, and glad I was able to remember when working in the field was rewarding.
From what I see, the Patent Process has lost all value or relevance, except as a private mint to law firms. By the time a patent issues in many fields, the Art is obsolete.
The Office is hiring 900+ brand new examiners. They want recent grads, no experience.
To Hell with it.
Where you from? I might know that well known firm.
I was going to ping you, but look at that you're already here! Fancy that.