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Yahoo! Sues Xfire For Patent Infringement

Posted by timothy on from the patent-as-bully-stick dept.

CheesyPeteza writes "GameSpot is reporting that the popular game messenger client Xfire is being sued by Yahoo for patent infringement. The patent was originally granted to two Yahoo employees who developed GameProwler for Yahoo Messenger. It describes a system which "allows users to use a game server in connection with a messenger server to permit 'buddies' to know when other 'buddies' are playing games online, and easily join such games." One of these employees then left Yahoo to work for Xfire. Xfire denies infringing on Yahoo's patent, but with the costs estimated at $2 million to defend this cas, will the startup company Xfire be able to stand up to the Yahoo giant?"

12 of 174 comments (clear)

  1. Yes by fembots · · Score: 5, Funny

    We know

    --
    Rock that crushes, Paper & Scissors that don't matter.
    1. Re:Yes by wdr1 · · Score: 2, Funny

      Right, which is what you get when a dupe is posted, not hundreds of posts pointing out it's a dupe?

      -Bill

      --
      SlashSig Karma: Excellent (mostly affected by moderatio
  2. Instead of dupes... by thryllkill · · Score: 5, Funny

    how about you guys just reference your own articles and call them recursive?

    --

    Note to self: No more arguing with the faithful.

  3. In related news... by yotto · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...Slashdot sues itself for post-infringement.

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    Pulp Audio Weekly - Geek News and Reviews
  4. A short, one act play: by RyoShin · · Score: 5, Funny

    Person A: You know what this article is?
    Person B: Repeat.
    A: You know what this article is?
    B: Repeat.
    A: You know what this article is?
    B: ...Repeat.
    A: You know what this article is?
    B: You know who is in the bathroom?
    A: No, Who is on first.
    [person B stabs person A]

    CURTAIN LOWERS
    ~FIN~

  5. coincidence? by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 3, Funny
    What I find funny is how the original story posted yesterday is from the "what-a-coincidence" department. Now there's irony for you.

    --
    Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
  6. Slashdot should license this patent by Geoffreyerffoeg · · Score: 5, Funny

    permit 'buddies' to know when other 'buddies' are playing games online

    Is there anything to permit 'editors' to know when other 'editors' are posting articles online?

  7. Re:Steam by maxdamage · · Score: 3, Funny

    Not to mention that xfire actually works..

  8. sue the individual examiners instead... by bani · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...starting with the fucktard who approved this patent, and following up with the cunt who approved this one.

  9. Re:Sue the USPTO by Skuld-Chan · · Score: 2, Funny

    Or how about patenting a process where you make a stupid patent on an already existing idea (or a similar idea) and sue everyone who uses such an idea to make money.

    Then you could turn around and sue anyone who sues someone using a dumb patent they aquired.

    I know its recursive, but the idea is just as good as the one Yahoo and company have embarked on.

  10. Re:Steam by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I couldn't tell you if it works for me or not. I don't have any friends.

  11. MOD PARENT UP by Spy+der+Mann · · Score: 3, Funny

    Can anybody tell me who was the [beep] who labelled this "offtopic"? It's TFA text! And signed as AC (no karma whoring).

    (note: It wasn't me who posted it, just in case you thought)