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EFF Attacks Online Gaming Patent

Posted by Zonk on from the foundation-smash dept.

I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "The EFF is attacking more bogus patents. This time they're going after the 'method and system of playing games on a network' which covers tournament ladders, online rankings and advertisements. The patent in question has already been asserted against a number of small companies who know that licensing it is cheaper than litigating. Ars Technica's coverage mentions that Netrek looks like a good source of prior art. 'Netrek, an online multiplayer game with origins in the mid 1980s, makes use of much of the same technology described in Goldberg's patent. Much of the code for Netrek is open source, and its development is archived online; the source code was first posted to Usenet in late 1989. The EFF has also documented other instances of prior art with the assistance of students at the Cyberlaw Clinic at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School.'"

4 of 126 comments (clear)

  1. Netrek!? by haeger · · Score: 4, Funny

    Oh, damn, that give back fond memories.
    I nearly didn't finish my education because of that game.

    I had to quit after breaking my 4:th mouse and it was beginning be embarrasing to go to the computer-support and ask for a new one.

    Ah, the joys of ogging a base near their home planet or smacking a DD carrying 5 troops.

    I'm getting withdrawal, I wonder if there's anyone still playing.

    "BenDover", captain.

    --
    You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. -- Harlan Ellison
  2. EFF by somersault · · Score: 4, Funny

    The joke's on them! They're using my method of debunking bogus patents by research into prior art! If only that guy hadn't patented blackmailing someone who is debunking bogus patents by brandishing your own patent for debunking bogus patents, I'd be rich! :(

    --
    which is totally what she said
    1. Re:EFF by Thanshin · · Score: 2, Funny

      The joke's on them! They're using my method of debunking bogus patents by research into prior art! If only that guy hadn't patented blackmailing someone who is debunking bogus patents by brandishing your own patent for debunking bogus patents, I'd be rich! :( My client is the guy who patented blackmailing someone who is debunking bogus patents by brandishing your own patent for debunking bogus patents or, as we call it, BSWIDBPBBYOPFDBP.

      I have to inform you that our product name in both it's long and short versions is a trademark. We require to immediately Cease and desist from using our product's long name without reference to the short name and the patent holder (ThatGuyYouHate inc.).

      Thank you.

      P.S.: We also hold rights over the song "BSWIDBPBBYOPFDBP" interpreted by TheSameGuy, so please inform us if you did read this post in loud voice.
  3. i have an idea... by nycguy · · Score: 2, Funny

    I think I should patent the business process of establishing patents based on clear prior art and then suing companies for the use of my intellectual "property." Of course, my application would probably get rejected as prior art, but at least I could enjoy the irony.