12 Nov 2003
Patently Absurd

You wanna know why folks like me (developers) are upset about software and "business method" patents? Here's the abstract from the patent mentioned below:

A networking database containing a plurality of records for different individuals in which individuals are connected to one another in the database by defined relationships. Each individual has the opportunity to define the relationship which may be confirmed or denied. E-mail messaging and interactive communication between individuals and a database service provider provide a method of constructing the database. The method includes having a registered individual identify further individuals and define therewith a relationship. The further individuals then, in turn, establish their own defined relationships with still other individuals. The defined relationships are mutually defined.

This is apparently legelese for "Only members of a forum can invite new members".

Absurd doesn't begin to describe this ...

Investors snub Friendster in patent grab. Alarmed by a potential expansion by Friendster on their turf, two competitors who are also investors in Friendster team to buy a patent they call key to the social networking market. [CNET News.com - Front Door]

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