Just when we were getting all nice and cozy with Spotify, someone had to go and ruin the party for everyone.
Patent Lawsuit May Boot Spotify From USA : Read more
Patent Lawsuit May Boot Spotify From USA : Read more
I disagree with the premise of this article. How does a valid patent stifle innovation? True innovation would be developing something new, and thus not covered by some previous invention anyway. You can argue that patents may limit the availability of consumer demanded products using patented features. However, patents actually push innovation. Many times work-arounds are more beneficial - or more thought out - than the previous patented subject matter. And, patents make it much EASIER for the little guys to get into the market. None of the big companies are pushing for stronger patent protection (from which they benefited when growing). The patent system is expensive and isn't perfect, but it doesn't need a drastic overall.
Also, I would like to point out that the author is misleading the reader on what patent number 7,222,078 is ACTUALLY protecting. The quoted language is just the abstract. The issued CLAIMS that define the protection cover much narrower subject matter. If the claims in this patent are "utterly ridiculous," then no shake down would occur. Few defendants would roll over on a clearly invalid patent. (Edit comment)
Mr. Parrish's lack of research & in his opinion; would have us villify wireless communications companies and networking companies even based on that little tidbit of abstract patent description language."device for the Distribution of Music in Digital Form."