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.

In February, Nyan Win's arguments against the detention of Suu Kyi were rejected by the Supreme Court, but he then submitted another appeal which was responded to only on Thursday.

The judge dismissed the suit last year, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked standing, meaning they were not materially affected by the rule change.

Officials probably worried that if they did not concede the point, the political-reform package might be rejected by Legco.

The court overruled his unreasonable claim.