IBM Applies for Password Manager Patent

An anonymous reader writes "As of August 21, IBM has applied for a patent on "A convenient and secure system and method for access to any number of password-protected computer applications, web sites and forms without adding to the user cognitive load and without circumventing the inherent security of such password-protection schemes. An existing password field on a device display is overlaid with password wallet pop-up field which allows a wallet "master" key to unlock the wallet. An application-specific and/or user-specific password is automatically retrieved from the wallet and entered into the password field with no other user action required." This isn't much different from Mozilla's "Master Password"."

Comments

Who do we like today?

[Anonymous Coward]

SCO story... YAY IBM

Patent story... BOO IBM

do we like Apple today too? or is this an anti apple day? it's hard to keep up

Re:Who do we like today?

[GigsVT]

A more knowledgeable USPTO would go a long way to keep the suits off our backs.

Interesting double meaning there.

Responsibility

[Anonymous Coward]

The person who allowed the patent at the patent office should personally be responsible for any prior art they find afterwards. This person should be obligated to eat a copy of all specifications of prior art available. Either they would learn to appreciate and to digest cellulose or they would take a closer look at the papers they sign.

STOP! STOP!

[symbolic]

[sarcasm]

The innovation is killing me!

[/sarcasm]

Just make an opinion check

[Lord_Slepnir]

Here's how you do it: First, select which company it is from the first chart. Then apply any of the modifier from the second chart. Roll a d20. If you can beat that DC, then we like that company. If you fail, you hate that company.

Comanies:
SCO: DC 30
IBM: DC 10
Microsoft: DC 20
Amazon: DC 15
MPAA / RIAA: DC 30
Apple (If you use Macs): DC 5
Apple (otherwise) : DC 15
RedHat: DC 5
Disney: DC 15
US Government: DC 20
Other Government: DC 10

Modifiers:
Is switching to linux: -20
Is switching from linux: +15
Is going after Microsoft: -10
_____ vs. SCO : -20
Files a BS patent: +10
Is being investigated by the US government for anti-trust or Fraud: -5

In this case, we have IBM, a DC 10 check. We add a +10 Filing BS patent modifier, and we realize that we'll have to roll a natural 20 to make this check. I rolled a 18, so while I come close to supporting them, I just can't and decide to waste a bunch of my time making these charts instead.

Re:Prior art

[noda132]

And Microsoft's Passport thing? Isn't it meant to include that functionality as well?

No, read the story again. It distinctly says, "a convenient and secure system" (emphasis added).

Dontcha love Gator?

[Cid Highwind]

Not only is it "not spyware", but now it's prior-artware too!

Gator?

[Lord_Dweomer]

Could this give IBM the leverage to shut down Gator? I'm not saying they would, they'd probably make them pay a license fee. But in a magical world where IBM had our best interests at heart, would this give them the legal power to shut down Gator for patent infringement? (Note: this is ignoring the 1145 other patents of IBM's that Gator infringes on, including using a button to give power to an electronic device, and using a diode to transfer electricity)

How to get richer:

[Newer Guy]

1. Steal someone's unpatented invention

2. Patent it yourself

3. Get patent granted...It's easy to do! After all, the patent office is so clueless they would probably issue a patent for: "Brown 25 Organic Lubricant" (see: "The Kentucky Fried Movie") these days.

4. ????

5. Profit!

Re:Prior art

[JamesP]

but if you try to patent something and include references to scientific literature in the patent, it is quite likely that the examiner will turn around and use those references against you.

That's why they will only patent things with no scientific literature, like Healing Pyramids and stuff...