I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "McDonalds has applied for patent WO2006068865, which carries the title 'METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A SANDWICH'. John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, can eat his heart out (unless they patented that, too). Undoubtedly, some people are contemplating whether there's anything novel in this patent that is somehow obscured by the generic title of the patent. Feel free to examine their flowchart for yourself and see exactly how novel their sandwich 'subroutines' are. The good news is that, given that it only mentions generic sandwich making 'tool(s)', rather than any specific machine, it might not survive after the In Re Bilski decision, which was meant to put a stop to absurdities this. But until it's rejected or invalidated, make sure you don't use their flowchart when making sandwiches. After all, if you 'apply appropriate condiments to appropriate compartment', you might infringe upon their IP." Link to Original Source
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McDonalds is in the fast-food business - meaning it makes sense to automate and simplify the process at every step. That saves time and labor, insures a more consistent product, reduces accidents and waste. McD's has been investing in ways to speed things along since the days of the 15 cent burger and fries.
Since 90% of the time McDonalds tastes horrible i think they might want to send this one back to the drawing board. Or at least simplify it enough that someone that works at McDoanlds can understand it and make a decent burger!
There's a better order? (Score:1)
The sandwich isn't the invention (Score:3, Insightful)
McTerrible (Score:1)