Patent Pending has announced the departure of founding bassist Drew Buffardi:

After 6 years of touring this country with our original lineup, the time has come for change. […] To help clear up any and all rumors that I..m sure will surface on the Internet over the next couple of days… We are leaving on good terms. This course of action was taken to protect the friendship that the four original members have built over the last 6 years. It's what is best for us both as individuals and as a band.

We wish Drew the absolute best in everything he strives for over the coming years. We will be sure to alert you of any future projects that Drew embarks upon. He is a kind, talented, and driven individual, and we are so proud to be his friend.

The band released Save Each Other, The Whales Are Doing Fine., earlier this year.

UPDATE: Buffardi has made a lengthy blog posting on his personal MySpace page about the situation.