Slashdot Mirror
Apple Patented by Microsoft
An anonymous reader writes "C|net is reporting that Microsoft received a patent on Tuesday for a new variety of apple tree. U.S. Plant Patent 14,757, granted to Robert Burchinal of East Wenatchee, Wash., and assigned to Microsoft, covers a new type of tree discovered in the early 1990s in the Wenatchee area, a major commercial apple-growing region. Dubbed the 'Burchinal Red Delicious,' the tree is notable for producing fruit that achieves a deep red color significantly earlier than other varieties. It is sold commercially as the 'Adams Apple.'" Apparently, the assignation of the patent to Microsoft was an error. Or so they would have us believe ...
Speaking of plant patents: Which patented plant are they smoking at the patent office.
Sun patents the Moon, news at 11...
Unfortunately, in order to eat this apple you're going to have to have two mouths, 350 teeth, and the stomach the size of a small child.
The Human Cow - bringing you scrumtrelescence since 1995
I knew the patent office was slow, but dang. April Fools day was over a month ago...
Apple (AAPL) registered a patent for a new device designed to transmit radient energy from the sun from outside houses to the interior of the house, using 4 glass pieces affixed in a wooden frame. Apple calls their new development a "Window". Apple stock finished up 1/2 to wind up at 26.65
Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress at this period in history.
MS Air, the most breatheable air you can find arround
That would be their next bold move.
I think you mean poplar. *snicker*
You know! Like the tree!
Apples grow on trees! It's a tree joke!
Anybody? Please? *sigh*
There goes my hope for ever having a +5 Funny post . . .philistines . . .
Does this mean I should expect the blue sky of death?
"When corrected that money does not in fact grow on trees, but rather on bushes and shrubs"
Would that be a microsoft hegemony?
"hedge o money"?
nevermind.
"I forgot my mantra."
...but then I got hungry.
With 800,000,000 patents day they just assume it's for MS and then sort it out after, it actually saves money that way.
I would like to contest that it was I and I alone who invented the apple tree and as such I will be suing.
Yeah, like you've got any lawyers up there.
Ooh, a sarcasm detector. Oh, that's a real useful invention.
I suppose that explains all the holes in the ozone...
They make me all jangly inside!
Oh Come on, at least I didnt say "Imagine a beowolf cluster of these"
This sig intentionally left blank
Why eat pomegranate seeds when you can simply devour the soul-eating MS Burchinal Red Delicious Apples!
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY: This Microsoft End-User License Agreement ("EULA") is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and Microsoft Corporation for the Microsoft organic substance accompanying this EULA, which includes glucose and may include associated media, printed materials, and "online" or electronic documentation ("ORGANIC SUBSTANCE" or "FRUIT"). By exercising your rights to make and use copies of the ORGANIC SUBSTANCE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, you may not use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
Fruit PRODUCT LICENSE
The ORGANIC SUBSTANCE is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The ORGANIC SUBSTANCE is licensed, not sold.
1. GRANT OF LICENSE. This EULA grants you the following rights:
Installation and Use. You may consume, use, access, display, or otherwise interact with ("RUN") a copy of the FRUIT for your personal, noncommercial use only. You may RUN the FRUIT on a Fruitbowl area network (FAN) or the Internet and you acknowledge that client fruit Burchinal Red Delicious Apple supports a maximum of 16 players. Neither the ORGANIC SUBSTANCE nor this EULA gives you any rights to use the Internet, the client software for Burchinal Red Delicious Apple, or any on-line or other services or fruits that may be necessary to use all features associated with the ORGANIC SUBSTANCE. The right to any additional services or fruit as described herein is subject to the end-user license agreement associated therewith and may be subject to additional charges.
Reproduction and Distribution. You may reproduce and distribute copies of the ORGANIC SUBSTANCE; provided that a) each copy shall be a true and complete copy, including all copyright and trademark notices; b) each copy shall be accompanied by a copy of this EULA; and c) such distribution shall not be for commercial purposes.
2. DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.
Limitations on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the ORGANIC SUBSTANCE, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.
Separation of Components. The ORGANIC SUBSTANCE is licensed as a single product. Its component parts may not be separated for use on more than one human.
Fruit Transfer. You may permanently transfer all of your rights under this EULA, provided the recipient agrees to the terms of this EULA.
Termination. Without prejudice to any other rights, Microsoft may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, you must destroy all copies of the ORGANIC SUBSTANCE and all of its component parts.
Multiplayer Play. This ORGANIC SUBSTANCE may contain features which allow you to host games for other players games in connection with the ORGANIC SUBSTANCE over a network or the Internet ("Multiplayer Play"). By using such features or otherwise engaging in Multiplayer Play, you agree that Microsoft or its agents may generate, store and transmit certain information which identifies your MOUTH to other MOUTHS for purposes of Multiplayer Play. You also agree that the ORGANIC SUBSTANCE may continue to generate, store and transmit such game information as necessary for Multiplayer Play. You agree that Multiplayer Play is not supervised or otherwise under the control of Microsoft or its agents. You acknowledge and agree that Microsoft and its agents have no control over or responsibility for your experience while engaged in Multiplayer Play, or any content or other information or data you may create, encounter or receive, including chat, while you are engaged in Multiplayer Play.
3. COPYRIGHT.