In fact, it appears they may be granted at a rate exceeding submissions. (But, there is a publication & grant timelag, so it's not as clear as that.) See also:
Actually, I consider this to be a good thing. The situation right now is terrible but still livable. If it becomes even worse, it will have to be changed, or the technology economy will collapse.
6 comments
[ 3.4 ms ] story [ 28.3 ms ] thread* Article: http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2010/05/patent-grants-2010.h...
* Charts (top left): http://news.priorsmart.com/
Basically some guy was able to trademark "Power Hour" and is sending legal threats to hundreds of sites that use the drinking game.