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Expedia Books its First Patent

Posted by timothy on from the trust-fund-baby dept.

theodp writes "Courtesy of a Microsoft patent reassignment, MS spin-off Expedia was awarded its first patent Tuesday for Matching an offer with a quote, which essentially consists of pairing a customer with the supplier quoting the lowest rate. Prior to this invention, Microsoft explained, 'An effective electronic exchange system for satisfying an offer by a purchaser with a quote from a supplier has eluded those skilled in the art.'"

5 of 27 comments (clear)

  1. [anti-microsoft subject] by Zarf · · Score: 3, Funny

    [anti-software patents comment]

    [unfunny joke about patenting something like cheese]

    [freedom as in speech closing comment]

    --
    [signature]
    1. Re:[anti-microsoft subject] by djcapelis · · Score: 2, Funny

      [Random Quote from Patent Application which do not address your comment in the least]

      --
      I touch computers in naughty places
  2. Patent Patenting things... by deggy · · Score: 3, Funny

    Perhaps I could patent:

    A method for defining and specifying an object, idea or concept in order to exercise control over it's application wherever its implementation is attempted by persons outside the control of the rights owner without prior consent and/or payment.

    And then charge a license fee to anyone who tries to patent anything.

  3. So does this mean ... by jbarr · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...that PriceWatch and Price Grabber are subject to this patent? Seems like they achieve similar functionality in concept.

    --
    My mom always said, "Jim, you're 1 in a million." Given the current population, there are 7000 of me. God help us all!
  4. Re:Microsoft employees by Dr.+Smeegee · · Score: 2, Funny

    EEEEGAD! Goat.cx link. Shade your eyes!

    (The sad, sick thing is, I've seen the stupid pic so much I'm numbed to the stretchiness and bloody pinky shiny... BLARRRF! Okay, maybe not...)