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Tech Giants Bankrolling IP Hoarding Start-Up
theodp writes "Microsoft alum Nathan Myhrvold so strongly believes intellectual property is the next software that he's studying for the patent bar exam. His company, Intellectual Ventures, doesn't actually make anything - only patent attorneys roam the hallways. Myhrvold isn't the only true believer. Microsoft, Intel, Sony, Nokia, Apple, Google, and eBay have contributed to a $350M bankroll which the firm is using to buy up existing patents that can be rented to companies who want to produce real products."
I've though about doing this, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who came up with the idea. Dammit, should've patented it when I had the chance.
Thanks for all the help, Patent and Trademark Office! Without you, we'd all be able to have nice things and we can't have that!
If "only patent attorneys populate the quiet hallways" then who thinks up all these ideas? It isn't patent attorneys doing it.
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We need a -1 RTFA moderation option!
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QUICK KIDS!!! Go change your CS major to a law degree!!!!! It's the wave of the future!!!!
I sure as hell hope litigation and royalty fees aren't going to be the "new" new economy.
As a side note, with how many "patents" Amazon has, I'm pretty surprised they aren't on board with this.
sigh...
Microsoft, Intel, Sony, Nokia, Apple, Google, and eBay
Apple zealots and google bashers please enter stage left.
I, for one, welcome our new patent holding overlords!
"Tech Giants Bankrolling IP Whoring Start-Up"
We can't do it because someone already patented the Clue Hammer(TM), the Clue-by-Four(TM) and the Clue ICBM(TM)
I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: "O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous." And God granted it.
"Does anyone else get the feeling we're on a slippery slope here in terms of tech business ethics etc?"
There's still a slope? I thought it was a long-time mudslide that receded into the ocean years ago!
-- I prefer the term "karma escort."
Options that come to mind:
1. Write books. You can't be sued for writing about how to do something. Freedom of speech protects you, and as a "copyright holder" the Machine will think you're one of its cogs. Must... Protect... COG!!!
2. Get a joe job doing IT for a public agency or college or whatever. Can't be sued for working with existing tools. Only people who produce and sell tools will be sued.
3. If you create software for your own internal use, no one can sue you for THAT, either. So, make software that does something interesting, and rent out your services DOING that something interesting without making it clear exactly how you're doing it ("Elves do it for us. Sign here"). You're not selling a thing anymore, just a service (in a better world, you'd be able to sell the something interesting and let everyone do it for themselves, but the dicks are in charge, so tough luck, world).
4. Be a consultant setting up bland, boring, same-old systems for boring, staid, large companies. You're just a technician! No patent infringement here.
Farewell! It's been a fine buncha years!
these people need to step back for a moment and ask themselves: "What Would Jesus Do?"
Best. Comment. Ever. Enjoy!
Funny. Over here in North America, juice and water are more expensive than soft drinks. I envy you.
Well, now that you've cleared all that up that's a load off my mind.
Thanks
George W. Bush
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