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Amazon Slaps Orbitz and Avis With Patent Lawsuit
theodp writes "Amazon has sued Cendant for allegedly infringing four patents covering electronic commerce at its Orbitz, Avis and other Web sites. Cendant, the biggest U.S. provider of travel and real-estate services, knew 'or should have known' it infringed when using the tools to secure credit-card transactions, handle customer referrals and manage data, according to the lawsuit filed June 22 in federal court in Seattle. Amazon itself was sued by Cendant last year for patent infringement over its recommendation technology. So much for five years of Amazon patent reform."
The very first line in the article you quote says, " Bezos said the company would not stop the use or enforcement of its patents."
So, how is it news that they're doing exactly that?
But this is slashdot. A slashdoter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber!
Must be the one-click-filesuit patent...
Just be glad Amazon didn't use their one-click-missile-launch systems
Another silver lining to this new lawsuit is that it will put Amazon's patents to the test. If they are found to be invalid, this will be a good thing, no matter how evil Cendant may be.
The online commerce patent situation is long overdue for a shakeout. We have to get rid of all these ridiculous patents before it completely blocks startups from free access to the online marketplace. Without invalidating some of these patents, everyone is at risk of being sued simply for trying to conduct their business online, and that will kill internet commerce except for a few giants who can afford the patent royalties and litigation costs.
Sad, when the internet's original promise was to empower the little guy and gal and level the playing field.
it's = "it is"; its = possessive. E.g., it's flapping its wings.
Kroger has filled suit against Wal-mart and Target for violating its patent for "an apparatus for and process of containing purchased goods in a polymer or wood fiber based sleeve for transport to consumers domicile" also known as bagging.
> a good thing, no matter how evil Cendant may be.
They were Blizzard's parent company during the StarCraft days. Does that get them any browny points?
That's right Cendant! In honor of Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary, we're celebrating by making special deliveries.
For you, it's a lawsuit!
Now sit back, releax, and enjoy the concert!