We need a system where a patent can be challenged in the initial period when someone applies for a patent.
For example, someone wants to patent "one click shopping". The USPTO publishes the "objective" section of the patent application. Then, during the challenge-period, someone else reads the application, implements a one-click shopping button, sends the solution to the USPTO and the patent is denied. Optionally, the person who found the solution (either by implementation or by finding prior art) is then compensated for their work by the original applicant.
The system could be extended by allowing the patent applicant to specify the expiration date for the patent, but a longer expiration time will also mean that the challenge-period will be longer and the cost for a rebuttal will be higher.
For example, someone wants to patent "one click shopping". The USPTO publishes the "objective" section of the patent application. Then, during the challenge-period, someone else reads the application, implements a one-click shopping button, sends the solution to the USPTO and the patent is denied. Optionally, the person who found the solution (either by implementation or by finding prior art) is then compensated for their work by the original applicant.
The system could be extended by allowing the patent applicant to specify the expiration date for the patent, but a longer expiration time will also mean that the challenge-period will be longer and the cost for a rebuttal will be higher.