Slashdot Mirror
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?"
Are you for having all drugs legalised then?
I personally am, I believe people should be able to do what they like with their own bodies and education should be there to premote moderation. Like alcohol for example, it can be far more damaging than most non legal drugs but the majority of people are sensible enough to keep their intake to reasonable amounts. It's a matter of opinion and you will find that in the real world things aren't black and white like that.
I believe that patents in their current form should not be issued for software. We need some kind of protection and I agree that Slashdot only publicises the bad side of things, but still there is an endless supply of them for you to read about every day! That to me suggests a flawed system, patents are supposed to help the small inventor; the way I see it, the current system means big companies can rip off the little guy who can't afford to defend him/herself while at the same time suing everyone into oblivion over trival things.
ICQ had that feature long before yahoo even existed... let alone yahoo messenger.
prior art. tell em to get bent
Sure legalise them all, but make sure if you take that shit you lock yourself in a room til you're done so you DON'T hurt me in the process.