Google Patents "Scroogling"

Posted by samzenpus on Wednesday August 28, 2013 @04:35PM from the check-out-these-offers dept.

theodp writes "In Microsoft's eyes, the idea of scanning Gmail so advertisers can bid on access to those suffering from breast cancer, bi-polar disorder, depression, and panic anxiety, deserves no kudos. The USPTO, on the other hand, feels it deserves a patent. GeekWire reports that Google has been awarded a patent on "Scroogling", aka its system and method for targeting information based on message content in a reply. Google takes some jabs at Microsoft in the diagrams accompanying the patent, including one implying that MS-Access and Excel files pose security risks, and another that suggests alternatives to Access."

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I miss Scroogle :( by tapspace · 2013-08-28 16:48 · Score: 4, Informative

I miss Scroogle, even if the guy behind it was a little crazy. Hell, I'm a little crazy! Startpage just isn't the same (although, I generally use DuckDuckGo, and I encourage everyone to do so).
The pages referenced in the summary by loosescrews · 2013-08-28 16:55 · Score: 4, Informative

The one implying that MS-Access and Excel files pose security risks: http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/23/218/085/18.pdf

The one that suggests alternatives to Access: http://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/23/218/085/19.pdf