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AOL Patents IM

Posted by timothy on from the eyebrows-to-celing-please dept.

ProgressiveCynic writes "CNet is reporting that AOL has recieved a patent on IM technologies. Specifically, any technology that provides "a network that allows multiple users to see when other users are present and then to communicate with them" is covered. While AOL was a leader in this space the patent was only filed in September 2002."

4 of 146 comments (clear)

  1. prior art... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    % finger <user>
    % talk <user>

  2. Re:Granted in 2002, NOT filed! by Spudley · · Score: 4, Funny

    the patent was granted in Sept 200

    Sept 200, eh? Wow. That definitely rules out any prior art that I know of! ;-)

    --
    (Spudley Strikes Again!)
  3. OK That settles it... by EricV314a · · Score: 4, Funny

    I hereby officially serve notice that I intend to file an application to patent the technology behind taking a shit. Everyone out there needs to pay up or just explode

  4. I'm filing: by Fat+Casper · · Score: 3, Funny
    Specifically, "Technology allowing the use of barricade-like devices at all exit points of the USP&TO building while simultaneously applying incindiary devices to same structure."

    I know you're all thinking it, but I'm filing it, and it'll always be (legally) my idea.

    Doesn't the Guide define USP&TO as "a bunch of mindless jerks who will be the first against the wall when the revolution comes?"

    --
    I spent a year in Iraq looking for WMD and all I found was this lousy sig.