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Facebook Ordered To Turn Over Source Code
consonant writes "A Delaware District Court judge has ordered Facebook to turn over ALL its source code to Leader Technologies, who allege patent infringements by Facebook. The patent in question appears to be for 'associating a piece of data with multiple categories.'
Additionally, while the judge in question deems it fine to let Leader Technologies look at Facebook's source (for a patent, no less!) in its entirety for a single feature, it would be 'overboard to ask a patent holder to disclose all of their products that practice any claim of the patent-in-suit.'"
Facebook should hire some of Diebold's lawyers. They're really good at keeping source private.
Of "associating a piece of data with multiple categories" sounds suspiciously like tags.
They'll come for slashcode next!
I've got both hands in the air.
I tried to patent some code that checks submissions for stupid patents, but the patent office stack overflowed...
biopowered.co.uk - catalytically cracking triglycerides for home automotive use since 2008. Just say no to big oil!
Just to be safe, it's probably best to limit this story to just a single tag. Under no circumstances should anybody tag this story with multiple categories such as "patenttroll" and "getfucked" at the same time.
If libertarians are so opposed to effective government, why don't they all move to Somalia?
Seeing these patent-trolling tards walking around downtown Wilmington.
Tagging posts here in ./ is clearly associating a piece of data (the post) to multiple categories (the tags). CmdrTaco, prepare yourself to disclose all ./ source code and to pay a hefty check to Leader Technologies.
Doing the opposite of what was said? I have a patent on that .. !
Belief? Hope? Preference?The Existential Vortex
I'd like to see their faces when they get to see the css and javascript.
Sorry, I've already got a patent on "A method of answering a question you have yourself posed in order to bring about a sense of smug self satisfaction."
Finally had enough. Come see us over at https://soylentnews.org/
... on a computer!
The first one to patent the idea of "patent trolling" wins.
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
Yeah, but now it's on a computer!
Err... nevermind.
My other account has a 3-digit UID.
I am sorry to sink your boat sir but I have a patent on smugness and refuse to license you for use in your product for less then, (pinky to corner of mouth) 1 million dollars muahahaha!!
So it isn't quite as outrageous as TFS makes it appear.
Awww man, why did you go and read TFA?? You just spoiled it for everyone.
Prior Art!
Sorry, but I have the patent on putting my pinky at the corner of my mouth and demanding huge ransoms while laughing in a maniacal way.
Oh, and it's usually 1 million, billion, fufillion, shabidydillion ... yen !!!
I think women have prior art on that.
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
but has anybody patented a "method of bestowing the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time"?
It just shows how stupid some people are. Including, apparently, those who can't figure out what he meant.
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
whats that about $5?
"Megacorps don't often go after other megacorps because it would end up as mutually assured destruction"
;) .. assuming you find IP law entertaining, (not that i'm implying IP law isn't entertaining ;) ... hmm.. this disclaimer could be made recursive.
Its true they use patents more like negotiation chess pieces in some kind of tactical battle, but sometimes big companies do go after others big companies simply to achieve some tactical advantage. For example using the law as a delaying tactic against their opponent or to force them to give up some other patent rights as a negotiated compromise. Sadly its all tactical moves at their scale. It often has very little to do with engineering for them. They are more interested in its strategic value against opponents.
By anyway, this patent needs to die now. (http://www.google.com/patents?id=Ay99AAAAEBAJ&dq=7139761)
Its totally insane. In a long winded way as far as I can tell, its trying to say associating a piece of data with another piece of data. What like for example, associating a persons name with their postal address and then associating that postal address with their data of birth. etc.. etc.. etc.. Its what computers have been setup to do for decades!, yet this patent troll is trying to claim its their idea and Facebook should pay them!... yeah right, and how long after they go after Facebook, will it take them to then go after everyone else who uses a computer. I mean, FFS allowing patents like this makes a total mockery of the whole patent system.
[Disclaimer] I'm not a patent lawyer and these IP law comments are for entertainment purposes only
There are 10 kinds of people in the world... those who understand binary and those who don't.
Usage of the terms "fucking" and "idiots" should usually be used in a grammatically correct sentence, otherwise they tend to bounce off of the intended subject and back onto the hurler.
I actually hope Leader Technologies wins this, because I happen to hold the patent on "associating data with a single category," and every time they get royalties, so do I.
Not to brag, but I also hold the patents on associating data with:
Unfortunately, none of these others have yielded any proceeds yet except the first one, which I've profited from quite handsomely. Patenting data associated with no categories turned out to be my master stroke!
but have you considered the following argument: shut up.
... less then ...
I commend your efforts to avoid infringing my patent on spelling comparative phrases correctly.
*Applauds*
Atheist: Buddhist in a Prius
*taps parent on shoulder*
Sorry to interrupt sir, but I wanted to let you know that the patent on understanding sarcasm has expired and you are hereby invited to use it.
Atheist: Buddhist in a Prius
ouch, the sonic boom from that woosh knocked me off my chair.