Slightly OT, but explain to me again why this is legal:

> "We often seek patents for technology we never implement, and patents should not be taken as an indication of future plans,” said a Facebook spokesperson.

So can I just apply for a patent for that impossibly strong rope needed for space elevators and if anything should ever figure out how to build it, I can sue them?

(Though in this particular case, yes please, Facebook, by all means please get the patent and don't build it and make sure no one else can build it either)