[Discuss] The America Invents Act

[sronan at panix.com (Stephen Ronan)]

On Wed, 28 Sep 2011, Hsuanyeh Chang wrote:

"they can get a patent application published and serve for prior 
art purposes for less than $200 of official fee (if less than 100 
pages)...  If the open source developer is rich enough to pursue 
a patent, then he/she is free to grant or donate a non-exclusive 
license of his/her patent right to the community.  Without having 
any patent rights handy, the open source community will forever 
be a victim."

Could you kindly clarify this... Is there a two-step process, the 
first step not normally costing more than $200, and then the 
multi-thousand dollar fees only are required if one chooses to 
pursue a full, final application? That first step does sound like 
it could be helpful in regard to highlighting and protecting 
prior art. Thanks.
    -Stephen Ronan