Oh the joys of the US patent system

[Sunner]

Link to The Reg article

Short version:

The technique described is used by almost every game that uses 3D modelling, from the latest titles right back to the likes of Quake and possibly right back to Doom and even Wolfenstein - all products of the 1990s. It covers the use of a 3D space - the UAC HQ on Mars, say - to encompass one or more 3D objects - half a dozen Cacodeamons, say. The patent details how panning across the scene - sidestepping past a plasma bolt, say - can be realistically depicted on a 2D display, such as a computer monitor.

:roll:

 

[BlueWeasel]

WTF? So they apparently own the patent for "everything" 3D and think that the same effect could be realistic in 2D?

Seems as me they are probably low on revenue and going under, therefore, they want a piece of the action.

:roll: :|

 

[MrChad]

They waited until 2004 to file a lawsuit based on patent they've held since 1987?

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: MrChad
They waited until 2004 to file a lawsuit based on patent they've held since 1987?

they must show "diligence" in prosecuting violations of their patents but it is pretty hard to claim "ignorance" for such a long period of time


they would have to have some very good lawyers to get anything IMO

also their patent expires in roughly 3 years

 

[mundane]

Originally posted by: MrChad
They waited until 2004 to file a lawsuit based on patent they've held since 1987?

Maybe they just bought the patent? Patent acquisition ( and legal prosecution ) is becoming a big business in and of itself; some companies are now solely focusing on that pursuit for revenue instead of developing their own products (*cough*SCO*cough*)

 

[Lonyo]

Go prior art!

 

[kamper]

Originally posted by: diegoalcatraz

Originally posted by: MrChad
They waited until 2004 to file a lawsuit based on patent they've held since 1987?

Maybe they just bought the patent? Patent acquisition ( and legal prosecution ) is becoming a big business in and of itself; some companies are now solely focusing on that pursuit for revenue instead of developing their own products (*cough*SCO*cough*)

That phenomenon will be the downfall of capitalism, seriously.

they must show "diligence" in prosecuting violations of their patents but it is pretty hard to claim "ignorance" for such a long period of time

I think this should apply whether or not they just bought the patent. If the previous owners didn't bother to follow up on it then the buyers shouldn't be allowed to either.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Remember, software patents are coming to a country near you!

 

[Sunner]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Remember, software patents are coming to a country near you!

Hence, sign the petition in my sig.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: Sunner

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Remember, software patents are coming to a country near you!

Hence, sign the petition in my sig.

Do you really think the will of the people has anything to do with the rule of the people anymore?

 

[AFB]

:thumbsdown: