On Thu, 16 Sep 2004, David Woodhouse wrote:
On Thu, 2004-09-16 at 06:59 -0700, william(at)elan.net wrote:
I searched through US Patent database for Microsoft applications in
the last several years and there are lots and lots of them and some to
me look similar to techniques in use by some open-source projects. This
tactic by such a large company is very disturbing because they know that
open-source movement in general is based on individual collaborative work
and they do not have the money and resources to fight microsoft patents.
If this is true then I don't think that this is an appropriate forum in
which to discuss it.
Certainly not. But discussions regarding Microsoft and in regards to spam
patents are not new on this list. In any case, I posted because I wanted
to let you know regarding that particular patent application on anti-spam
ranking filter because it might well cover Universal SPF.
If the applications are extremely similar to prior art and contain no
significant originality, then it sounds like the criminal offence of
fraud may have been committed.
You should take it up with your own local authorities if you have such
concerns.
Its outside the scope for local autorities. This would be something for US
trade commission probably. But if you read article at cio.com you'll see
how heavily Microsoft is involved in lobbying US government. I doubt US
trade commission would get very far if they try to reinvestigate Microsoft.
--
William Leibzon
Elan Networks
william(_at_)elan(_dot_)net