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Is Google AutoLink Patent-Pending By Microsoft?
theodp writes "While Google pooh-poohed any comparison of its controversial AutoLink feature to Microsoft's SmartTag technology, Google's generation of dynamic links to maps and use of ISBN numbers to trigger links to booksellers cover the same territory as Microsoft's 2000 patent application for Providing electronic commerce actions based on semantically labeled strings, whose sole inventor - Jeff Reynar - was the lead SmartTag Program Manager while at MS and is reportedly now a Google Product Manager who's being credited as AutoLink's creator. Reynar's patent applications that have been assigned to Microsoft, including one for Smart Links and Tags, describe a world of 'recognizer' plug-ins that automatically look at every document a user creates, receives or views, transmitting messages to 'action' plug-ins - and even to the plug-ins' authors - that can be used to decide what info you'll be presented with, what options you'll be given, what price you'll pay for goods, and even who you'll be permitted to buy from."
I actually had a good idea for a patent recently... Someone needs to patent the "Business process whereby one patents an obvious business process". Then, any time someone like Microsoft comes along and patents something obvious - like autolinking, you can sue them for patent infringment. This would work for other obvious patents like Amazon's "One-Click" ordering system.
I'm a big tall mofo.
Why not? As you know, we all love Googel because it is such a good company. Even tracking every ad-nonsense-enabled site in a cookie with a 35 year lifespan and relating the gathered information to our Gmail accounts does not stop us from sucking Larry Page's cock and colored balls.
show that FreeBSD It's be5t to try year contract. since then. More use the sling. overly morbid and ttok precedence
So, because Google is still "good" (but for how long???), they can own a stupid patent like this, and because MicroSloth is "bad", they can't???
Yeah, because Google didn't register the patent and it's not their fault it's stupid. And Google would probably not use the patent for predatory purposes like Microsoft who right now probably have a team of lawyers finding people to sue for patent infringement.