Somebody got an idea about searching the web based on location and patented it. I guess they'll be coming after my deep pockets. I need to patent exhaling. Here's the story.
The concept of the hyperlink is patented as well as is the ability to store personal information to speed up the checkout process (owned by Amazon). Everything is patented.
But Amazon patents so others can't sue over patents. The company that has the search by location patent is out to sue.
This is a very interesting story. I will be writing about this today on my patent blog, which is at: pli.edu/patentcenter/default.asp I don't have a problem with patenting a hyperlink. When that was patented it was quite new and very useful. This, on the other hand, seems to me to be nothing more than an idea. Perhaps it is at best just something that can now be done given advancements in technology. -Gene