If I told you that I had just filed a patent for “a system to sell equity in domain names”, I’d expect you to laugh at me. I haven’t ranted and raved against software (and business method) patents for a while because I got bored of doing it. The PTO has gotten so far behind on responding to patent applications that the whole notion of a four year cycle to get a software patent approved just underscores how ridiculous the whole thing is given the pace of innovation in software.
But – today’s silly patent popped up somewhere and I just couldn’t resist poking fun at it. Go Daddy has filed a patent for a method of selling equity in domain names. I can’t wait to see what the SEC has to say about this one.
I sure do hope the new regime in Washington D.C. has the balls to address the software patent issue this time around and end this madness.
You Blow Daddy, Go Daddy
Comment by Jason Mendelson — July 3, 2009 @ 12:17 am
I suspect they may run into a prior art problem. Or Mark Cuban. Or both.
You've given me an idea, Brad. I'm going to apply for a patent to cover the method of applying for a software-based patent. You're welcome to join me as co-author. That should tie things up nicely – for the next four years.
Comment by John Sharp — July 3, 2009 @ 12:45 am
There’s a bunch of prior art for that <g>.
Comment by Brad Feld — July 3, 2009 @ 4:28 am
I've said before, I'm going to file a patent application on the operation symbolized by "+", with a separate claim for each number base. This time I mean it!
Comment by Bill Mosby — July 3, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
[...] The Unbearable Stupidity of Some Patents (feld.com) 3201No Comments »http://www.feld.com/wp/archives/2009/08/a-patent-ban-on-microsoft-word-and-a-haiku.htmlA+Patent+Ban+on+Microsoft+Word+and+a+Haiku2009-08-12+13%3A07%3A59Brad+Feld | Posted in: Patents | Posted by: Brad Feld [...]
Pingback by A Patent Ban on Microsoft Word and a Haiku — August 12, 2009 @ 6:08 am