[clue-talk] Microsoft Claims 235 Patents Violated

[Angelo Bertolli]

David L. Willson wrote:
> I'm not talking about copying ideas, I'm talking about copying programs,
> the products of the work of an individual or company.

But, but... patents are essentially ideas.  They're not suing anyone for 
copyright infringement.  They're threatening suits based on them 
claiming that they had an innovative idea and that idea should be 
protected so they can make some money off of it.  I'm really unclear 
about who they can and can't sue.  They can sue anyone who USES the 
technology?  Or just the people who produce the software?

Patents weren't originally meant to make property out of ideas.  They 
were meant to encourage people to have new ideas and inventions by 
giving them the ability to make a little bit of money off of it before 
the rest of the world could benefit.  But I think they've screwed up 
that idea.


-- 
Angelo Bertolli
[Tech http://bitfreedom.com | Gaming http://heroesonly.com]