Epicrealm Uses Vague Patents to sue Web Sites

An anonymous reader writes "InfoSpinner/epicRealm holds two patents that basically describe every dynamic Web site in existence and is now using them to sue companies like eHarmony. This patent seems to describe a standard web/application server setup. This one describes 'dynamically generating a Web page in response to the request, the Web page including data dynamically retrieved from one or more data sources.' If enforced, these patents could shut down almost every dynamic site on the Internet, including the USPTO."

Comments

Ahhh Europe rules

[Ckwop]

If enforced, these patents could shut down almost every dynamic site on the Internet, including the USPTO

Ahh the wonders of living in Europe. Let's just hope it lasts.

Simon

Suing eHarmony?

[Anonymous Coward]

Well, there goes their chance of finding a lasting, loving relationship.

I just found that ironic.

[jZnat]

Well, I think it's a good thing to happen because of the massive irony it introduces. Now, the US Government itself can be sued due to a vague and shitty patent! If this doesn't introduce any sort of patent reform, then someone will need to patent "the act of patenting something".

Re:I just found that ironic.

[Frymaster]

ow, the US Government itself can be sued due to a vague and shitty patent!

you just gave me an awesome idea!

i'm going to rush out and apply for a patent for a system "of social control wherebey a body of individuals holding a monopoly on the sole legitimate use of force (hereafter refered to as "the state") authorizes another group of non-technical people (hereafter called "the patent office") to allocate the legitimate use, distribution or communication of highly technical ideas, conepts, plans, schematics and other 'know how'".

once i get that baby rubber stamped, i can just sue them out of existence!

Nothing to see here, move along

[Ignorant Aardvark]

Slashdot, being completely free of any and all dynamic individuals, will be completely immune to anything Epicrealm can throw at it.

My turn!!

[loconet]

From their Claim #1:

1. A computer-implemented method for managing a dynamic Web page generation request to a Web server, said computer-implemented method comprising the steps of:
routing a request from a Web server to a page server, said page server receiving said request and releasing said Web server to process other requests wherein said routing step further includes the steps of:
intercepting said request at said Web server and routing said request to said page server;
processing said request, said processing being performed by said page server while said Web server concurrently processes said other requests; and
dynamically generating a Web page in response to said request, said Web page including data dynamically retrieved from one or more data sources.

Have no fear, I shall patent the word 'said' and venge the Web!

Re:It will only get worse - About That Gas Party?

[Nom du Keyboard]

until we have a Boston Gas Party

Is that right after the Boston Baked Beans potluck?

I have patented sex...

[toonces33]

All of you guys owe me money. Oh, wait. This is slashdot. Never mind...

Submarine Patent : The board game

[denis-The-menace]

Coming soon:
Tagline: "patent or be sued!"

Object: Patent everything you can and profit from the work of others.

Method of play:

-Everybody starts with venture capital of $100,000.
-As you go around the board you collect cash (via sales cards), Patents (via patents cards)that you can buy if you want, and inventions (via inventions cards).

-sales cards: gives you the option to sell a product if you have the invention card for it.
-patents cards: You buy them If you want. Any patents not bought are put into the "Public domain" pile. A player can only hold a patent card for up to 10 turns, after which they go the the "Public domain" pile.

-invention cards: Are free when you land on the square on the board. If the "invention" is already patented by another player, that other player CAN sue for the cost of the patent. The patent owner can also not reveal that he/she hold that patent cards for up to 10 turns. The player with the patent card can, at the time of his choosing, sue the player with the Invention card for twice the "Sales" that player has received.

Note: If a patent card is bought and another player already has the "Invention card", each place $10000 in a pile and each spin their own USPTO wheel (Patent Wins - Invention wins -settlement). Both wheels must match. If not, each player adds another $5000 to the pile, and spin again. This can continue until one or both players run out of money. If Settlement is the outcome, the pot is split between players.

Re:Quick! Someone get them to hire Darl McBride!

[tobiasly]

Dear Epicrealm,

It has recently come to my attention that you are using some vague and obscure patents in an attempt to blackmail legitimate, innovative businesses for large sums of undeserved money.

Unfortunately for you, I hold a patent on this business model and take any infringement on my intellectual property very seriously. However, I will allow you to purchase a "make money by being a litigious weasel" license for $2M which will allow you to pursue your current course of action. Otherwise, you will be sued for patent-infringement patent infringement.

Sincerely,
Darl McBride