Originally Posted by IO540
(It's a bit like the patent office - you can get a patent granted on just about anything so long as it is reasonably specialised. The examiner will probably not spot that there are a dozen cases of prior art, all known to anybody actually working in the business.....)
That's why, when I ask questions on something like this, I always go to a lot of trouble to very clearly state the regulatory background and why I want to know the answer. Then, when the answer comes, you are much better able to rely on it, should you need to one day.
Firstly, my experience is that patents aren't granted quite so freely and attention will no doubt be focussed by the opposing parties who hold similar patents.
Secondly, have you ever had to rely on any of this 'aviation' knowledge which you are gathering? Indeed has anyone writing on here ever had to quote chapter and verse in their defence? Presumably things change and interpretation alter over time, with change in policy and case law which suggests that it is a moving target.