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RichardKinser
Snitz Forums Admin
USA
16655 Posts |
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redbrad0
Advanced Member
USA
3725 Posts |
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Nathan
Help Moderator
USA
7664 Posts |
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Doug G
Support Moderator
USA
6493 Posts |
 Posted - 20 December 2002 : 11:39:29
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Our patent office is likely to be the true Internet killer :(
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Doug G
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Computer history and help at www.dougscode.com |
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ruirib
Snitz Forums Admin
Portugal
26364 Posts |
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ROB
Junior Member
USA
347 Posts |
Posted - 20 December 2002 : 12:51:36
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It's interesting, but very unlikely that AOL will go after Yahoo, MSN, etc. based on this patent. It's really more of an insurance policy for themselves, in case so that no one ever comes after them.
I'm not worried in the least. |
Jeff (ROB) Hester
BigBlueNetwork | BigBlueBall | Christian Church Today |
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Doug G
Support Moderator
USA
6493 Posts |
Posted - 20 December 2002 : 15:41:34
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quote:
Originally posted by ROB
It's interesting, but very unlikely that AOL will go after Yahoo, MSN, etc. based on this patent. It's really more of an insurance policy for themselves, in case so that no one ever comes after them.
I'm not worried in the least.
I guess you weren't sued last month by the folks in San Diego claiming their patent on ecommerce applies to anyone doing commerce over the web 
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Doug G
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Computer history and help at www.dougscode.com |
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redbrad0
Advanced Member
USA
3725 Posts |
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VodkaFish
Average Member
USA
654 Posts |
Posted - 22 December 2002 : 03:18:55
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Remember, there were also people after getting everyone who uses a gif (or was it a jpg) to pay rights to use the format... these things happen, and it is because AOL does not want to have to open up their source and code to allow users to connect with MSN and Y! people.
I hate this kinda stuff. If they think they're going to get a patent on it, I thnk they're insane. They may have their specific program, but there were other chat utilities out first, and they'll succeed in going after AOL if AOL succeeds in it's suit. All too letigious (sp?)... |
v ø d k â f ï § h |
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TestMagic
Senior Member
USA
1568 Posts |
Posted - 22 December 2002 : 03:44:03
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Well, I remember using ICQ once or twice back in '97 or '98, before it was bought by AOL, I believe, and thinking it was great and that the creators (in Israel??) of this program should make some money.
It just seems that AOL was smart to buy this technology, IMO. |
Snitz rocks! · Search 2 |
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ruirib
Snitz Forums Admin
Portugal
26364 Posts |
Posted - 22 December 2002 : 07:53:50
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Buying technology is one thing, and I think someone who has brought about some new technology should indeed be able to profit from it. But if someone implements similiar functionality using different technology, why should the first guys get money on that? It's utterly ridiculous. It's like patenting the human genome.
Doug's post on the e-commerce patent is illustrative. I think we all should be happy that noone got a patent on the operating system concept, or the word processor concept, if this kind of patenting was to be enforced... |
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David K
Junior Member
494 Posts |
Posted - 22 December 2002 : 21:01:21
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| good point ruirib! |
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TestMagic
Senior Member
USA
1568 Posts |
Posted - 23 December 2002 : 00:21:22
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quote:
Originally posted by ruirib
Buying technology is one thing, and I think someone who has brought about some new technology should indeed be able to profit from it. But if someone implements similiar functionality using different technology, why should the first guys get money on that? It's utterly ridiculous. It's like patenting the human genome.
Doug's post on the e-commerce patent is illustrative. I think we all should be happy that noone got a patent on the operating system concept, or the word processor concept, if this kind of patenting was to be enforced...
Well, from what I understand, patents in the US can be issued only for something that is truly new and different. Ideas cannot be patented. From the US Patent website:
A patent cannot be obtained upon a mere idea or suggestion. The patent is granted upon the new machine, manufacture, etc., as has been said, and not upon the idea or suggestion of the new machine. A complete description of the actual machine or other subject matter for which a patent is sought is required.
I had to do a bit of research on these things a few years ago, and remember coming across this interesting information.
I of course agree that other companies should have the right to implement their own version of Instant Messaging and would be somewhat angered (although I almost never using IM) if AOL tried to exert absolute control over any market, but if ICQ is done is a unique way, then others shouldn't be allowed to copy their technology, IMO. |
Snitz rocks! · Search 2 |
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strum
Starting Member
Israel
44 Posts |
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strum
Starting Member
Israel
44 Posts |
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sy
Average Member
United Kingdom
638 Posts |
Posted - 23 December 2002 : 16:07:06
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theres so much prior art to this claim that beggars belief. I mentioned this to a colleague who also spoke about ICQ, and how they might have seen and used things (plato) that shaped their product, whilst in the IDF.
I guess the bottom line of this is that currently, most IM is free, or part of a free service (yahoo for example), get ready to start paying for this (which is not evil IMHO) kind of service next year. |
The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails
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