But their pleas were dismissed as overwrought and inappropriate.

The court overruled his unreasonable claim.

Some impractical suggestions were turned down by the committee.

Defense lawyers had sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that the law banning corporate contributions was itself unconstitutional in light of Citizens United.

To make matters worse, the patent office is rejecting applications at an unprecedented pace - with fewer than 50% being approved, compared to 70% a decade ago.