Yahoo! Sues Xfire For Patent Infringement

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?"

Comments

Gamespy is guilty too

[X0563511]

Well, then Gamespy is guilty. Buddy Tracker and Chat system. Integrated (if you are subscribed)

So is Steam. Buddy system and Chat system. (integrated)

So are half-a-dozen other serverbrowsers that have a buddy list.

What a stupid patent! This is why patents should not be allowed to exist in software.

Re:Yes

[RonnyJ]

This might be a dupe, but the other article only recieved 23 comments since being posted yesterday, probably since it wasn't posted as a headline on the main page (and I for one didn't see it). To me, it does seem like a topic that should be on the front page.

At least now, a lot more people will notice it, and offer more opinions/information on the matter than in the previous posting.

Re:I'm gonna say what I said last time.

[westlake]

What do you think?

I think there is nothing in this world more unlikely than a successful gamer-geek boycott launched from Slashdot.
It's like trying to herd cats.