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FTC Investigates Submarine Patents

Posted by michael on from the depth-charge dept.

Schnake writes: "An article on USAToday talks about how the FTC is investigating Sun Microsystems, Unocal, and Rambus to determine whether they illegally kept patents secret while helping set industry standards! And a quote from the ZDNet article: "It noted that all three companies had filed patent infringement lawsuits against firms they say owed them royalties. But the litigation backfired when those firms countersued, charging them with concealing their patents, and complained to the FTC.""

2 of 119 comments (clear)

  1. Submarine Screendoor patents by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    United States Patent 6,270,404
    Sines , et al. August 7, 2001

    Submarine chamber door allowing partitionment of exterior from interior while still allowing a beautiful, roomy feel with plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

    Abstract
    System consisting of wooden frame and screening material used as replacement for airlocks on submarines. After sitting here long enough, we decided that submarines just don't get enough fresh air or sunlight, and that the main problem is that their door is either open or shut. The solution: screen doors for submarines.

    Inventors: Sines; Randy D. (Spokane, WA); Kuhn; Michael J. (Spokane, WA); Gregory; Randy A. (Spokane, WA)
    Assignee: Digideal Corporation (Spokane, WA)
    Appl. No.: 749046
    Filed: December 26, 2000

  2. Re:submarine patents... by csbruce · · Score: 1, Funny

    If Japan had a military, it was the kind of issue that might start a ware.

    I thought that wares were the result of outrageous prices or consumers who are too cheap...

    Oh, you mean "war"...