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Microsoft Patents 'Phone-Home' Failure Reporting
theodp writes "On Tuesday, the USPTO awarded a patent to Microsoft for its Method and system for reporting a program failure, although a much more sophisticated version of this technology has been standard on IBM mainframes for years. Maybe prior art searches will improve once the USPTO moves into the new two million square foot USPTO campus, which includes five interconnected buildings, a twelve-story atrium, a landscaped two-acre park, and a museum."
I'm sorry, ET; I'm afraid we can't allow you to send that signal... Microsoft, you know...
By awarding obvious and unoriginal patents, the USPTO's plan was to amass a ton of money so they can have wasteful, luxurious campuses...
Next we'll be reading about how each patent clerk gets his own stripper and lapdances are mandatory every hour on the hour.
Method and system for reporting a program failure
They patented the BSOD?
However, we all know that Microsoft has no need for error reporting software.
- 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the new entry comprises the location of the location of the failure.
errmmmm/ damn. I think MS is trying a buffer overflow on my brain
yes, we have no bananas
No, that they copyrighted.
Therefore, according to the DMCA, you should either sit there and wait for the Ashcroft SS to burst through your door, or cut a deal with the BSA in which you agree to pay $50 for every page on which you've ever read those words.
Damn, I quoted you. Forgive me, Ashcroft, for I have sinned ... it has been $150 since my last copyright violation ...
John