FTC Defends Ethernet From Patent Troll

I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "The FTC has put a stop to Negotiated Data Solutions, a patent troll that bought a patent on an important part of the Ethernet networking standard and tried to jack up the royalties for licensing it. In a consent decree (pdf), N-Data agreed to continue licensing the patent at the formerly promised rates. 'Whatever the merits of the decision, it shows that the FTC sees the value of standards and will be on the lookout for any behavior that could undermine these standards-setting process. That alone could keep companies honest when they enter the standards process. Standards-setting bodies have also become more sophisticated over the years (after being burned in several high-profile cases), and now do a better job at forcing involved companies to disclose and license patents.' The IEEE voted back in 2002 to make patent letters irrevocable, which could have prevented this, but neglected to make that clause retroactive."

Comments

But wait

[moogied]

I already have a patent pending on using eletrical signals for any kind of communication!! How dare he steal my thunder!

Re:But wait

[GreyWolf3000]

But I have a patent pending on using electrical signals for any kind of communication...in bed. I don't cross license with strangers, though...

Re:All I can say is WOW.

[mcmonkey]

So all I can say is WOW.....

A /. post displays an ignorance of property law and/or confuses patents, copyright, and trademarks, and you're surprised?

You must be new here.

Re:How about a change in patent law...

[ColdWetDog]

Am I the only one that notices Slashdot's propensity to propose/applaud the limitations of others rights, while screaming loudly at any percieved limitation of their own?

Nope, we're here. It's just that there is a current Scientology thread so we're busy pounding Xenu to shreds. Be back momentarily. Until then, keep up the good fight.