Slashdot Mirror
AvantGo Gets a Patent
AnElder writes: "Yahoo's Daily News Technology section is carrying a story reporting that AvantGo has received a patent for its synchronization technology. And here's an excerpt: "In legal jargon, AvantGo said the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had issued it patent No. 6,341,316 covering the system, method and computer program product for synchronizing content between a server
and a client." Why didn't I think of this?" In all fairness, the patent doesn't seem to be as bad as many that have been issued. It cites many other patents as references (which helps ensure that AvantGo is doing something *different*), and is rather specific about the process - I would expect that there are many ways to "synchronize" data that wouldn't run into this patent.
Maybe I should just patent something extremely obvious. Of course, I need to make sure that while its extremely obvious and could bring me in a large quantity of revenue from extortion royalties, yet nobody I'd be extorting is big enough to be able to actually handle the court costs. So patenting the wheel would be definitely out (although I think someone already did that :).
Maybe I should patent popup banner ads. Then I can charge X10.com for the privilage of using my "technology". Of course, I contributed nothing to this cause, but I thought of it.. Its my idea (even though I got the idea from the rather obvious prior art).
All kidding aside, as long as this patent is specific and doesn't keep others from innovating, its probably ok. Still, while I feel that code can be copyrighted, and even maybe algorithm implementations, I certainly am against output being patented. I don't know, tough call.
-Restil
Play with my webcams and lights here
Just got my weekly FoolWatch letter and saw the opportunity to comment on Auditing and Accounting firms (article) and wonder where one goes to whine about bad patents or trademarks (a very popular /. theme.)
A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
that big yellow box in the middle of the patent office website that has the links for "emergency info" is really nice. i just can't imagine any emergency situation where you would need to immediately contact the patent office.
Researched and non-insindeary commentary from michael??
Whats going on?
autopr0n is like, down and stuff.
Lets just decide if slashdot is pro-software patents or con. This wishy-washy attitude is sending the wrong signals.
Software and algorithms should simply not be patentable. Some one else can pick up the arguement from there if they care enough. My point is simply this: Being ok with certain software patents, even if conditional, is bad for the movement. There is no reason to to even go down the road, "But it this patent is more specific, than say 1-click purchases, so I am ok with it."
Uhh, no. Less evil is still evil. As long as you aren't stealing code, any code you do write should be legal, whether it is syncing your PDA to, umm, your microwave or giving your customers an easy and simple way to purchase goods.
But maybe I am just over-reacting. What do you guys think?