Slashdot Mirror
Appeals Court Puts Amazon 1-Click Patent in Question
sallen writes "An article in the Internet News which can be read here indicates the Appeals Court handed Barnes and Noble a victory by overturning the the injunction of the lower court based on the Amazon Patent. In the article it stated "The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found, after careful review, "that BN has mounted a substantial challenge to the validity of the patent in the suit." All I can say is, it's about time!"
If I was an investor, I'd want to know why Amazon is so intent on giving money to lawyers to protect a buisness model that isn't even making them any money.
The 1-click patent has always been part of a war between Barnes & Nobles and Amazon. The fact that it touched off so many passions on Slashdot is just an unexpected side effect. Read my earlier post about the punches that B&N has thrown Amazon or even better do a search for Amazon, B&N and the words lawsuit or sue and you'll be rather surprised to see the amount of blows that have been thrown by both parties. The rivalry between both companies is similar to the irrational hatreds that run deep within the Sun and Microsoft camps. The reason few geeks know about is that it's been mainly news for the book industry and few else.
After all, you'll note that Amazon hasn't sued anyone else for violating their patent.
You can get the opinion at either Findlaw(HTML) or at the Federal Circuit(MS-WORD) web pages.
I'm really surprised more companies aren't fighting for the same rights we are. Why aren't the MP3 patent holders fightiing alongside Napster? There is MUCH less incentive for me to pay for MP3 software (and they get a cut of that purchase price) without Napster
The reason is most International Commerce at this level is happening in the same circles. There are massive Groups, Technology Partners, Associations etc etc etc where you will find that 95% of MultiNatinonals are in bed with one another. Why would MS want to fight Apple? They own ~10% of Apple. Why would Frauenhoffer want to sue the RIAA? They are probably involved in half a dozen 'Audio Technology Consortium' bullshit Non-Competition clubs.
The answer to alot of the the 'World Trade' crap were seeing (otherwise known as the Great Capatalist Swindle) would be to have the UN create a World Declaration of Citizen/Environmental/Social Rights and include *ALOT* of strong Anti-Trust legislation.
Then have all UN members ratify it...
I would be asking for a refund!
::I will not moderate my opinions for your stinking karma