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20+ Companies Sued Over OS Permissions Patent

Posted by timothy on from the advancing-the-useful-arts-and-sciences dept.

freemywrld writes "According to the article on Ars Technica, Microsoft, Symantec and 20 other companies are being sued over patents covering 'systems for governing application and data permissions, as well as ensuring application integrity.' The patents were granted in the 90's to the Information Protection and Authentication of Texas (IPAT). From the article: 'A response from any of the defendants is still forthcoming, and it is unclear whether the authentication and permissions systems that IPAT's patent describes are precluded by prior art. Even if IPAT has a leg to stand on in court, however, it certainly didn't take the easy route to recovering any damages by suing 22 companies.'"

5 of 282 comments (clear)

  1. I'm Scared by MightyMartian · · Score: 5, Funny

    I just entered "chmod 755" on a directory so other users could not modify my data. When can I expect the cease and desist order?

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    The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
    1. Re:I'm Scared by gustar · · Score: 5, Funny

      A summons to cease and desist is speeding on its way to you as we speak. I took the liberty of including a list of other activities you should immediately cease and desist due to patents which I hold... for example the use of a paper product for the removal of excrement after defecating... I patented that idea and am looking to seek damages for illegal/uncompensated use of said concept.

  2. Re:Good luck with that by moniker127 · · Score: 5, Funny

    What the hell are you babling about?

  3. Re:Location, location, location by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    We really _should_ give Texas back to Mexico.

  4. Re:Botting by agendi · · Score: 5, Funny

    Great idea. I'm patenting it now!

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    I just can't be bothered.