DVD-by-Mail Services Cleared In Patent Troll Case 73
eldavojohn writes "Media Queue holds the rights to patent 7389243 which is simply a patent on the notification system (like e-mail) to users of changes in the status of their DVD rental queues. Of course, they filed suit in a random place against Netflix, Blockbuster and everyone else sending e-mail updates about DVD-by-Mail services. It was later moved to California and was dismissed last week. In related news on the ailing patent system, the USPTO unveiled a new plan to reduce backlog in its system by offering pending patents special examiner status if the holder abandons another co-pending unexamined application."
Re:Random Place? (Score:4, Interesting)
The thing about patent law is almost every district court in the country has personal jurisdiction over the parties. You can be sued anywhere you have normal business activity. General Jurisdiction [wikipedia.org]