The most ridiculous patent application ever

I don't know if anyone's ever compiled a list of the most ridiculous patent applications, but if there is then this one from IBM has to go near the top of the list: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040010790%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040010790&RS=DN/20040010790

Basically, IBM is trying to patent the idea of separating business logic from the user interface.  They specifically target Java technologies (JSP, EJB) that I don't use, but I'm outraged anyway.

Anyone got some prior art to send to the US Patent Office?

anon
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Here's a tiny URL instead:

http://tinyurl.com/38c9o

anon
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

It falls at the first hurdle, a patent should never be granted for a specific application implemented in a particular way.  This would be like patenting a process for producing bottle caps naming the manufacturer of the steel press used to form the cap.

But its in the US an entirely discredited Patent system.

Simon Lucy
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

My view is that this is a model example of how IBM is trying to get control over the industry.

Dennis Atkins
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

From what I understand, they have patented the MVC approach as implemented for JSPs.
Very silly. This would never stand up in court -- Struts, which was originally released way before this patent's filing date, can count as prior art and implements exactly what this patent defines.

Tal Rotbart
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

What has standing up in court got to do with anything? Software Patents are purely and only a method for aggressively tying up smaller competitors in expensive legal wranglings.

Mr Jack
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

"My view is that this is a model example of how IBM is trying to get control over the industry."

It doesn't scream that patents are bad?

fw
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

If it makes you feel any better - IBM argued *against * software patents in Europe.  I suspect that IBM views its patents as defensive.

Try http://www.patent.freeserve.co.uk/  or http://colitz.com/site/wacky.htm for some truly daft ones.

A cynic writes
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

"Very silly. This would never stand up in court"

Ever heard of Eolas?

Just me (Sir to you)
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

> "My view is that this is a model example of how IBM is trying to get control over the industry."

> It doesn't scream that patents are bad?

You want screaming?

"My VIEW is that this is a MODEL example of how IBM is trying to get CONTROL over the industry."

Man this board is humorless. Ship these jobs to India. I'm so exhausted having to explain obvious bits of humor.

Dennis Atkins
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Cause the Indian guys I've worked with are pretty fun guys and never mind to go out for a pint after work. What is the problem with white people anyway.

Dennis Atkins
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Never mind, I'm a tard.

Dennis Atkins
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Actually what you said wasn't that funny, you needed those [sarcasm] tags that were talked about in a previous post.

Aussie Chick
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Reading the abstract, everything is specific regarding the use of Java technologies.

Does this mean I could do everything exactly as described in the patent, but using .Net and not be in breach?

Just one patent like this could kill Java.  Everybody could simply use a different platform to avoid it.  In fact, if this could hold up you could use patents to kill just about any platform.

Ged Byrne
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Most ridiculous? 

Silly rabbit...

Google "patent 5443036" to see a patented method of exercisng your kitty by having him chase the little red dot of a laser pointer around the room.

Google "patent 6368227" to see a patented method of swinging on a playground swing.

Oh well, whatever, nevermind...
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=00034DF5-683F-1D7E-90FB809EC5880000

How about a patent for a perpetual motion machine?

Gary
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Dennis, I think the guys you were having a beer with were laughing AT you, not WITH you.

Watch "The Office" for more examples of what not to do, humour-wise.

Burninator
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Sorry, you dudes are just proving my point!
Techheads == boring drones

Dennis Atkins
Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Dennis, I agree that techheads are boring, but that doesn't make your "joke" funny...

Wednesday, January 21, 2004

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