EFF Attacks Online Gaming Patent 126
I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "The EFF is attacking more bogus patents. This time they're going after the 'method and system of playing games on a network' which covers tournament ladders, online rankings and advertisements. The patent in question has already been asserted against a number of small companies who know that licensing it is cheaper than litigating. Ars Technica's coverage mentions that Netrek looks like a good source of prior art. 'Netrek, an online multiplayer game with origins in the mid 1980s, makes use of much of the same technology described in Goldberg's patent. Much of the code for Netrek is open source, and its development is archived online; the source code was first posted to Usenet in late 1989. The EFF has also documented other instances of prior art with the assistance of students at the Cyberlaw Clinic at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School.'"
Netrek!? (Score:5, Funny)
I nearly didn't finish my education because of that game.
I had to quit after breaking my 4:th mouse and it was beginning be embarrasing to go to the computer-support and ask for a new one.
Ah, the joys of ogging a base near their home planet or smacking a DD carrying 5 troops.
I'm getting withdrawal, I wonder if there's anyone still playing.
"BenDover", captain.
EFF (Score:5, Funny)
i have an idea... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:EFF (Score:3, Funny)
I have to inform you that our product name in both it's long and short versions is a trademark. We require to immediately Cease and desist from using our product's long name without reference to the short name and the patent holder (ThatGuyYouHate inc.).
Thank you.
P.S.: We also hold rights over the song "BSWIDBPBBYOPFDBP" interpreted by TheSameGuy, so please inform us if you did read this post in loud voice.