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MailBlocks sues Earthlink over Anti-Spam Tech

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the eggs-bacon-sausage-and dept.

goombah99 writes "Mailblocks is suing Earthlink , claiming patents on Challenge-Response as a means of blocking spam. Slashdot recently discussed Earthlink's plans to implement a challenge-response email system. The next day mailblocks filed suit to defend their turf in the $118 million dollar anti-spam solutions market. MSNBC has a complete discussion."

10 of 336 comments (clear)

  1. I did that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Years ago... 1997 to be exact.

    Mailblocks has no right on that patent.

  2. Cutting edge anti-spam tech stuck in the courts by yorkrj · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...and this ladies and gentlement is why the spammers win.

  3. So, can Earthlink respond? by jkrise · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Mailblocks is suing Earthlink , claiming patents on Challenge-Response"

    If Earthlink responds to this legal challenge, they'd be in violation of this Mailblocks patent? A nice merry-go-round.

    I think I'll patent these as well, just in case:
    1. Pleading guilty.
    2. Pleading innocent.

    and so on...

    --
    If you keep throwing chairs, one day you'll break windows....
  4. And so the Alan Ralksky's Win... by LordYUK · · Score: 5, Funny

    Because all the "good guys" are stabbing each other in the back trying to be the one that fixes this problem.

    I say we need to send the One (a large man with a nail bat) to the Source (the companies that PAY the spammers) and let him Disseminate the Code (splatter their heads against the wall).

    Yeah, I saw Reloaded three times since last Wednesday... so sue me. =P

    --
    This is my sig. Its pathetic.
  5. Hey, wait a minute... by djh101010 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Didn't Jeff Bezos {amazon.com} invent that? I'm pretty sure he holds the patent for it...

  6. omg ! I will go to jail by MoZ-RedShirt · · Score: 5, Funny

    From the article: "Mailblocks developed and owns patents for Challenge/Response"

    They will sue me as soon as they find out that I dial in to my ISP using the CHAP protocol.
    RedShirt

    --
    Microsft spel chekar vor sail, worgs grate !!!
  7. Just Great by fobbman · · Score: 4, Funny

    Why can't it be that the penis enlarger companies are the ones that are suing each other into bankruptcy over patent infringement?

    1. Re:Just Great by stratjakt · · Score: 5, Funny

      Because I've got prior art.

      Ask yo momma if you dont believe me.

      --
      I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
  8. marvels of modern technology by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny


    "hello?"
    "Hi is this Joe Smith of 104 spammark rd.?"
    "May i ask who is calling?"
    "No, you may not, we've patented the process where you ask who your talking to then decide wethere you want to continue communication, we can license that technology to you though for the special low price of $1 per use."

  9. There is only one way to end this stupidity. by pair-a-noyd · · Score: 4, Funny

    Public executions, first offence, for spammers.

    Broadcast immediate, ALL channels, satellite, cable, OTA, AM/FM. ALL channels.

    We interrupt this broadcast for another public execution of a spammer and as a bonus execution, three patent lawyers. Please stand by, after the executions you will be returned to your regularly scheduled programming.
    Thank you."