tedster - 10:36 pm on Apr 21, 2005 (gmt 0)

Yes, BReflection, I also see those parallels. Part of me really wonders about the enforceability of this patent (and Google's recent Patent, too) should the patent be granted. Seems like you'd have to hack into someone's server farm to tell if your patent was being violated. Or maybe the concern is ten years forward when lots of us can afford the kind of power that requires the assets of a big company today.

And then, there's the factor that jimbeetle observed: " somebody really went out of the way to make this patent almost understandable."

I'm beginning to think the Patent Office could be used for a kind of press release - to generate some buzz in the news cycle.

If that truly is the case, I apologize for starting this thread. Of course, given that courts and judges can be a bit weak on their technical savvy, a really clear patent can be an asset if you need to defend your IP at a future court date.