Many bits have been spilled expounding on the troubles with America's patent system. The bulk of the criticism centers around the granting of overly broad patents for less-than-novel ideas, and the existence of "patent trolls"–organizations that hold a portfolio of patents for the express purpose of suing successful companies. Here is my contribution to the debate over patent reform: why on earth do illustrations patent applications consist of black and white clip art from the '70s? Are we supposed to be excited about the technology behind GPay on a potential GPhone (which, I definitely don't have any inside information about) when the patent application was designed in ClarisWorks? Even Apple's patent applications look shitty . For reals, guys.