This might usefully and reasonably be expanded to cover an individual or a non-profit of any size including universities, as well as a small company, in parallel with the Patent Office's definition of a "small entity" for reduced fees.[1] Companies suing universities for patent infringement for doing research is similarly problematic for innovation.
And, I think the intent would be served equally well by getting rid of the restriction to software patents.
[1] Although the small entity rules define a small company as a maximum of 500 employees, rather than 25.
And, I think the intent would be served equally well by getting rid of the restriction to software patents.
[1] Although the small entity rules define a small company as a maximum of 500 employees, rather than 25.