The Wall Street Journal, June 10, 2011 by Jess Bravin
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304259304576375451677652800.html
A patent overhaul bill … permits third parties to challenge patents, even after they are granted, through administrative proceedings at the Patent and Trademark Office. Robert Merges … said the challenge provision in the bill “just became a little more important” in light of the high court’s ruling. “It’s a cheaper alternative to litigation, and some people think it’s a better forum for trying to invalidate patents,” he said.