Technology > Patents: Does the Patent System Need an Overhaul?” href=”http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/27/technology/27patent.html?pagewanted=print&position=”>The New York Times: Since 1793, the federal government has issued patents to inventors, giving them exclusive ownership of an idea as well as the right to prevent others from using it. Now some experts argue that achieving those rights stifles innovation.