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IBM Wants To Patent Restaurant Waits

Posted by kdawson on from the no-rewards-or-we'll-sue dept.

theodp writes "If all goes IBM's way, it'll soon constitute patent infringement if Bennigan's gives you a free lunch for being inconvenienced by a long wait for your meal. Big Blue is seeking a patent for its Method and Structure for Automated Crediting to Customers for Waiting, the purported 'invention' of three IBM researchers, which IBM notes, 'could be implemented completely devoid of computerization or automation of any kind.' Can we count on IBM to withdraw this patent claim, or will Big Blue weasel out of its patent reform pledge again?"

5 of 154 comments (clear)

  1. The old saying must be true. by palegray.net · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now there's really no such thing as a free lunch...

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    1. Re:The old saying must be true. by The+End+Of+Days · · Score: 5, Insightful

      But if you're a good Slashdotter and just read the completely inaccurate headline, you can work up a righteous froth and get a nice +5 Insightful.

  2. Prior art by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    I worked for Pizza Hut corporate in '85-86. We had a five minute or free deal on "Personal Pan" pizza. One of my coworkers analyzed the POS data and picked the best time to go to lunch. He was averaging about 60%.

    Dale

    1. Re:Prior art by britneys+9th+husband · · Score: 5, Funny

      Now we just need someone at the patent office to examine this POS patent application and reject it.

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  3. Re:quick by Vombatus · · Score: 5, Funny
    rewards such as free beer for long bathroom waits

    Leading to even more trips to the bathroom, longer waits and more free beer.

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