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Interwoven Patents Code Versioning
webengr writes "It seems like the USPO is pretty lenient when it comes to awarding software patents. CVS has been around for a long time, but now Interwoven has been awarded a new patent covering version control of web assets. The claims include, 'The use of a hierarchical file system and an object repository for representing and hosting content and its structure,' and 'The combined concepts of file history, versioning, comparison, and merging as it relates to content, provide an archive of all individual changes as well as collections of changes so they can be versioned and audited.'"
I think I shall patent "a means of using a patent to create ownership of an obvious method of using existing devices or methods so as to stifle innovation and help lawyers buy new cars"
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Nobody at the US Patent office must version control their documents. Maybe thats how patents get awarded so easily?
And in our next story, Microsoft is now widely perceived to be the playground bully of computer software.
There's a Mercedes gap too. I want one and can't afford one, but it's not government's job to do anything about it.
Some of you guys should get a job reviewing patent applications. You seem to know more about prior art & novelty than these patent officers do.
Can I bum a sig?
I just patented the process of "using organic photoreceptors to relay electronic signals via sheathed sodium channels to a core carbon based processing unit to elicit saturation of iron-rich fluids in nether regions of humanoid body, and further organic electrical manipulation of calcium mechanics to stimulate fluid-engorged region." I'm willing to settle for $20,000 per license violation.
I also reply below your current threshold.
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2.) ???
3.) Karma
Before you email me, remember: "There is no god!"
3 year's work experience at McDonald's.
== Jez ==
Do you miss Firefox? Try Pale Moon.
Yes, that's right, the defendnat. It's a sort of protective insect with wings.
Yeah that's the ticket...
- Serge
...there's too much prior art.
Oh, wait...
Arr! The laws of physics be a harsh mistress!
Every patent that is filed for is posted on slashdot. If nobody says "I was doing this back in...", then they get the patent.
> It seems like the USPO is pretty lenient when it comes to awarding software patents.
That's apparently true for any kind of patent, see this or this link (gathered from this excellent article by James Gleick).
I guess my patent application for "Achieving sexual stimulation in males by applying a repeated vertical up/down motion to the male reproductive organ using either the left or the right hand" has a real chance to be approved, then. Unless anyone here wants to step forward and claim prior "art" (ahem), of course.
"There are already a million monkeys on a million typewriters, and Usenet is NOTHING like Shakespeare." - Blair Houghton
Beaver: "Hey Wally, getta load of this! It's another one of them swell software patents!"
Wally: "Well, you remember what the memo said, if it's got the the word 'web' in it then you should accept it, otherwise you're gonna get it when the commisioner gets back."
Beaver: "Not only does it have 'web' it's got 'web assets' and 'version control', what the heck is that?"
Wally: "No idea, but it sounds good. Hey just stamp the thing with the 'ACCEPTED' stamp and let the lawyers sort it out; we're gonna be late for beer at The Prior Art tavern."
Beaver: "Yeah, wouldn't want them lawyers to be outta work, now would we. Well, that's ten I've accepted before lunch, let's get to The Prior Art, pronto!"
Last week the SQL Server developers found out they might be liable for royalties...
Are users of this version control software next?
Everyone will start to cheer when you put on your sailin' shoes.
I propose applying to the USPO for a patent on
"A system to allow full disclosure of innovative techniques or technologies, while permitting the applicant exclusive license to said technologies for a certain period."
They're bound to grant it, and once they do, you sue them into oblivion for infringing it.
Or, conversely
I don't think that I've seen patents go through /. and not read examples of prior art in the commentary.
You need to restart your computer. Hold down the Power button for several seconds or press the Restart button.
I think I shall patent "a means of using a patent to create ownership of an obvious method of using existing devices or methods so as to stifle innovation and help lawyers buy new cars"
Actually, my patent will read:
"a means of using a patent to create ownership of an obvious method of using existing devices or methods so as to stifle innovation and help lawyers buy more cars" because sometimes lawyers want to buy classic cars too.
Let's see whose patent application makes it through the system first...if mine does, you owe me if you exercise your process!
"Patent office does a search (web or otherwise) on prior art, billing the individual/corporation that submits the patent at a standard rate. If no prior art is found, the patent office does not bill. The company is able to challenge any claims to prior art. Each challenge to a claim at prior art costs a certain fee."
You should seriously patent this idea before someone steals it.
OddManIn: A Game of guns and game theory.
Set up a cron job that executes twice a week, and posts a "Patent system still fucked" story on Slashdot. That'll save a lot of effort.
what do you expect, patent clerks arent exactly Albert Einstein
A lot of posters have been criticising the USPO for not scrutinizing the contents of patents passing through their system closely enough. I would suggest that having the USPO carefully examine each patent passing through its system for prior art, obviousness, etc. goes way outside the bounds of their job.
IMO, as long as the patent is properly addressed, has sufficient postage, and doesn't set off the anthrax detectors, the USPO should move it straight through the system just like the rest of the mail.
Now the USPTO, on the other hand...
"From my cold, dead hands you damn, dirty apes!" - CH