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Netflix Sues Blockbuster for Patent Infringement
StrongGlad writes "Is the concept of renting movies over the Internet an original idea that deserves patent protection? Netflix claims it is, and is suing Blockbuster for patent infringement, alleging they are copying its seven-year-old online movie-rental business method. Netflix argues that it has patents covering its many online features, including allowing subscribers to keep DVDs for as long as they want without incurring a late fee, obtaining new DVDs upon return of those already watched, and prioritizing their own personal movie list. Blockbuster, for its part, has counterclaimed, insisting that Netflix is trying to monopolize the online movie-rental industry and stifle competition. Blockbuster also alleges that Netflix obtained its patents fraudulently by failing to disclose pertinent information to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and further contends there is nothing original about renting videos online in the first place."
Fuck Blockbuster.
I know that has been a popular sentiment ont his board for some time and that im not in particularly new....... But, I still have a bad taste in my mouth from YEARS of Blockbuster / Viacom screwing me (and everyone else) royally.
The late fees. The bad selection. The late fees. Changing the rental system to somehow appease a lawsuit they lost and at the same time still trick people into paying more late fees.....
And then Netflix came along, and the first few times you saw it in print was wondering if they could ever even get the attention of the Blockbuster juggernaught (anyone besides me remember the college football Blockbuster Bowl?). Well yeah, I guess they got Viacoms attention finally. After their entire business had been decimated. How long was this in the making?
After Blockbuster ran EVERY Mom and Pop video rental store off the planet they want to somehow play the underdog? They didnt have a chance to see what Netflix saw and ditch the brick and ortar stores? Yeah I know thats expensive, but the real estate they built those stores on would have recouped most of the money, and firing everyone else would have them squarely in the black, a place they havent been for a hot minute now...
So to recap, screw Blockbuster, but only because in their hubris they screwed (and are actively screwing) themselves.
---- The real Slashdot is still here. You just have to browse at -1 to read the comments.
while this is completely insane, part of me wants them to win and put the final nail in blockbuster's coffin.
-- lol pwned