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IBM Ditches Outsourcing Patent

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the whoops-our-bad dept.

Xenographic writes "IBM has dropped their controversial outsourcing patent, both withdrawing the application and placing it into the public domain. Apparently, it was filed eight months before they implemented more stringent reviews of their patent applications so as to avoid filing for obvious patents, especially business method patents. The notice also says that they would like to thank the community for bringing it to their attention."

5 of 85 comments (clear)

  1. it's patently ridiculous by User+956 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Apparently, it was filed eight months before they implemented more stringent reviews of their patent applications so as to avoid filing for obvious patents, especially business method patents.

    As a matter of fact, they've patented their stringent review process, and would like to take this opportunity to tout their reasonable patent review process licensing terms.

    --
    The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
  2. Speechless by mrbill1234 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Not seeing anyone comment on this yet - I think everyone must feel the same as me.

    Speechless.

    Kudos to IBM.

    1. Re:Speechless by suv4x4 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well done IBM, the currently less evil of 'em all.

      If Bill Gates could see what you wrote, he'll stay there staring at his giant screen with his jaw dropped for the longest time ever, then fall on the floor dead.

  3. So let me get this straight - .... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    IBM patented outsourcing, but have now outsourced the patent to the Open Sourcers?

    Well, what goes around, comes around.....:)

  4. Wow by suv4x4 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Apparently, it was filed eight months before they implemented more stringent reviews of their patent applications so as to avoid filing for obvious patents, especially business method patents.

    Wow... so they did that? Now I know, IBM is a corporation as any, working for profit, and they probably had reasons better than altruism to drop a patent that could cause them issues in court in the future.

    But I almost shed a tear reading this, a company giving up on a patent on their own since they consider it obvious. Next thing you know, we'll be allowed to do things with a single click.