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Tech Giants Bankrolling IP Hoarding Start-Up

Posted by timothy on from the you-scratcha-my-back dept.

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."

4 of 528 comments (clear)

  1. A company built on patents only? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.

  2. the new bubble?!?!?!?!?!? by ghettoboy22 · · Score: 4, Funny

    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...

  3. Title should read... by gamer4Life · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Tech Giants Bankrolling IP Whoring Start-Up"

  4. Re:Patent for using air to breathe by Canordis · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.