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EFF Runs Patent-Busting Challenge

markclong writes "Every year numerous illegitimate patent applications make their way through the United States patent examination process without adequate review. The problem is particularly acute in the software and Internet fields where the history of prior inventions (often called "prior art") is widely distributed and poorly documented. As a result, we have seen patents asserted on such simple technologies as One-click online shopping (U.S. Patent No. 5,960,411.), Online shopping carts (U.S. Patent No. 5,715,314.), The hyperlink (U.S. Patent No. 4,873,662.). The EFF is hosting a patent busting project to fight the most egregious abuses of the patent system."

2 of 173 comments (clear)

  1. Re:So what's new? by sumdumass · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    redundant? well you know how new users with mod points are.. they seen it once before and now they are doing it.

  2. Re:Might this not rather support the patent system by 0x0d0a · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Happy Birthday!