Bradley Kuhn: I Think I Just Got Patented

Re:Bradley Kuhn: I Think I Just Got Patented by aaronblohowiak on Wednesday February 03, 2010 @01:51PM (#1098503)

There's nothing you can do to prevent someone coming after you. You can only protect yourself if you plan to have the means to actually fight the case. This is one of those areas where an accusation and intent to pursue a fight from a "big dog" can be bad enough to crush the "little guy".

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Bradley Kuhn: I Think I Just Got Patented by icey on Wednesday February 03, 2010 @01:54PM (#1098515)

Sorry, my point was whether or not Bob should go file for a patent himself.

I get why people call software patents evil, but they seem kind of necessary to protect against bigger companies (at least until the patent system is 'fixed').

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Bradley Kuhn: I Think I Just Got Patented by DougBTX on Wednesday February 03, 2010 @02:35PM (#1098614)

Sure, go for the patent.

The problem is litigating the twenty or so patents any large company can pull out of the bag, which, if you squint at the blurry lines, might overlap with what you are working on.

Basically, yes, having a patent yourself would be a great help, but it doesn't solve the problem when people are getting patents on what amounts to standard practice.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Bradley Kuhn: I Think I Just Got Patented by aaronblohowiak on Wednesday February 03, 2010 @03:40PM (#1098803)

Yea, in this case I am suggesting that he shouldn't go file for a patent himself. It is expensive, a distraction, and offers no meaningful protection against deep-pockets.

[ Parent | on HN ]