Patents, especially computer business method patents, are not that easy to get. Only about 10% of those applied for actually issue. I read the 7003500 patent and most of you don't get it. They got this patent in 2000 and it only issued in 2006. All of that "prior" art is even prior at all. Then you have to actually read the claims. This patent is only for a specific merchandise gift card. None of those other promotional or point system things count. Has anyone ever gone into a Wal-mart or Target or wherever and bought a gift card for a specific item. I don't think so. With those gift cards you can only get the "store value" dollar amount on the gift card. I hear that those cards have a 60% waste (meaning 60% of the money put on the gift card is never used and it goes back to the store or to the credit card company). So, this thing the Utah people patented would be new and useful in applications not related to the computer. You guys think that a product that is a better gift card is lame and the people shouldn't be able to patent it? Apple has a lot of computer related business patents and they protect theirs. Why should they be allowed to just steal a great new idea and make millions without crediting the inventor?
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Patents, especially computer business method patents, are not that easy to get. Only about 10% of those applied for actually issue. I read the 7003500 patent and most of you don't get it. They got this patent in 2000 and it only issued in 2006. All of that "prior" art is even prior at all. Then you have to actually read the claims. This patent is only for a specific merchandise gift card. None of those other promotional or point system things count. Has anyone ever gone into a Wal-mart or Target or wherever and bought a gift card for a specific item. I don't think so. With those gift cards you can only get the "store value" dollar amount on the gift card. I hear that those cards have a 60% waste (meaning 60% of the money put on the gift card is never used and it goes back to the store or to the credit card company). So, this thing the Utah people patented would be new and useful in applications not related to the computer. You guys think that a product that is a better gift card is lame and the people shouldn't be able to patent it? Apple has a lot of computer related business patents and they protect theirs. Why should they be allowed to just steal a great new idea and make millions without crediting the inventor?