Large multinational software companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google, rarely - if ever - initiate patent infringement lawsuits against other software companies, probably because they themselves infringe on lots of patents too. However, they do get sued themselves by smaller companies. Even though the Christian part of the world is all about forgiveness and love and pink ponies during the holidays (or, at least, they ought to be), Apple, Google, and Microsoft have been struck by a patent infringement lawsuit started by Cygnus Systems.
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Member since:2006-01-06
Actually, that's not true. It's been my personal experience that the USPTO is extraordinarily slow (some would call them methodical -- I wouldn't) in granting patents. I've seen quite a few cases where patents took 5-7 years to issue. It's more common than you think.
Member since:2005-12-02
"Actually, that's not true. It's been my personal experience that the USPTO is extraordinarily slow (some would call them methodical -- I wouldn't) in granting patents. I've seen quite a few cases where patents took 5-7 years to issue. It's more common than you think."
I'll take your word for it. I think the longest I have ever seen was 1 1/2 years.
Member since:2005-09-15
This isn't Slashdot - please Read The Fine Article instead of trying for FIRST POST.
The MacWorld article has the Patent number at the bottom, which is linked to the relevant page on PatentStorm. The submission date is indicated on the right of the page.
Member since:2005-12-02
"This isn't Slashdot - please Read The Fine Article instead of trying for FIRST POST."
I don't try for first post, and this place is obviously not slashdot as the majority here are pretty well informed.
I always actually read the article first, as well I looked up the patent at the actual patent web site. Imagine that. I missed the filing date, and only saw the date it was granted, so excuse me.
Member since:2008-12-28
DrillSqt is obviously not very well versed things realted to patents:
1. It takes MUCH more than 2-12 months for a patnet to issue. It can easily take 6-12 before you get the first response to your application. It almost never takes less than 6 months just for the first response.
2. The patent here in question is a continuation patent, i.e. it is a second patent based on the disclosure (and patent application) of an earlier patent. In this case, the parent patent was applied for in 1998. This application (the continuation) was applied for in 2001. All this is readily available is you had taken the time to look at the front page of this patent.
It is nice that you are interested in patents, but nect time, please do your homework before you post misleading comments.
Member since:2005-12-02
"DrillSqt is obviously not very well versed things realted to patents:"
Absolutely true. I hold no patents.
"1. It takes MUCH more than 2-12 months for a patnet to issue. It can easily take 6-12 before you get the first response to your application. It almost never takes less than 6 months just for the first response."
Interesting to note then. My information was based on asking someone I know who has 5 patents how long the process took. They have always had one granted without the extremely long wait, the longest taking 1 1/2 years.
"2. The patent here in question is a continuation patent, i.e. it is a second patent based on the disclosure (and patent application) of an earlier patent. In this case, the parent patent was applied for in 1998. This application (the continuation) was applied for in 2001. All this is readily available is you had taken the time to look at the front page of this patent."
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7346850/fulltext.html
Is that not the patent? I just read it again and see nothing about it being a continuation.
Either way, thanks for the education. Always good to learn.
Member since:
2005-12-02
...prior art? The article is misleading as it states the patent was filed for in 2001. According to the patent office, "US Patent Issued on March 18, 2008", that is definitely not the case. It normally only takes about 6-12 months for a patent to be issued, and even if longer for some, definitely not 7 years. Looks like a get rich quick scheme to me, targeting the big players that would most likely just pay out some cash in order to squash the negative publicity, true or not.