The Energon Pub

Like Me, Grimlock! on Facebook · by **Me, Grimlock!** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:03 am

The patenting system has gone too far. Here's an article in which apparently a company called Vuestar claims they have the patent for using graphics to link to other sites. Excuse me while I go patent the technique I use for breathing so I can come back and sue you all. :roll:

original link

Patent breach by ‘virtually all websites’? Pay up, firm demands

A SINGAPORE firm has threatened to sue websites that use pictures or graphics to link to another page, claiming it owns the patent for a technology used by millions around the world.

In a move that has come under fire from the online community, VueStar Technologies has sent ‘invoices’ to local website operators asking for thousands of dollars in licensing fees.

The company, which said ‘virtually all websites’ are infringing on its patent, is also planning to take on giants like Mircosoft and Google.

It is a battle that could, at least in theory, upend the Internet, though intellectual property experts have some doubts that VueStar can actually enforce its claims.

The company said it has been awarded a patent here and in several other countries, including Australia, New Zealand and the United States, for the method of ‘locating Web pages by utilising visual images’.

In other words, clicking, scrolling or streaming over a visual image to connect with a website or Web page is an infringement, the company claims on its website.

The technique is the de facto method used to connect websites across the globe, from personal blogs to the biggest search engines.

VueStar managing director Paul Smith said if sites want to keep using images as links, they will have to pay his company - located in a single-unit office at The Adelphi off Coleman Street - between ‘$200′ and ‘millions’ annually.

It is a claim, however, that has its doubters.

Technology and intellectual property lawyer Bryan Tan of Keystone Law Corporation said that while VueStar has been granted a patent, it is an extremely wide one.

In fact, ‘if the patent is allowed to stand, it will probably bring the (Internet) industry to its knees’. And VueStar’s patent may be contested and overturned in court, he said.

The firm has been sending out invoices to Singapore companies since last week asking them to pay up, said Mr Smith. He declined to say how many have gone out, but there have been ‘enough to keep my phone busy’.

Those who do not pay up, warned Mr Smith, face legal action, and his company is ‘highly confident that (a court decision) will be in our favour’.

Mr Alvin Koh, who runs the non-profit Arrowana fish website arofanatics.com, received one of VueStar’s invoices last week for $5,350. He does not intend to pay up and said: ‘I would rather close down the site’.

Mr Smith recognises that Mr Koh’s stand will likely be a popular one, and his firm is already girding up for a public backlash.

‘Website owners are just upset because they never had to pay for it before,’ said Mr Smith.

VueStar will begin enforcing its patent claims in Australia and the US ’soon’, he said, and the firm is also working on invoices for Internet heavyweights like Google and Microsoft.

While governments and charities will need a licence, VueStar will not be asking for payment from these parties, he said.

Mr Tan urged companies to contact their lawyers before ‘paying VueStar anything’.

News Credits: 104 · by **Cyber Bishop** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:06 am

Oh please... :roll:

News Credits: 2 · by **Tekka** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:07 am

Excuse me while I go laugh my ass off. :lol:

News Credits: 226 · by **Burn** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:11 am

'scuse me while I go out and patent technology that allows text to link to another site!

Seriously ... that's one of the most basic of html functions, what idiot granted them a patent on a piece of code that's been floating around for 15+ years?

News Credits: 6 · by **City Commander** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:24 am

*Sigh* this is sad

I don't even have words for this. No funny quip, no failure at funny. Nothing.

This is just R-tarded

News Credits: 767 · by **Dead Metal** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 1:57 pm

Burn wrote:'scuse me while I go out and patent technology that allows text to link to another site!

Seriously ... that's one of the most basic of html functions, what idiot granted them a patent on a piece of code that's been floating around for 15+ years?

Yea I mean it's like patenting stuff like brewing beer, cooking stuff and writing with a pen.

I should patent a method for suing people for stupid reasons, damn would I make millions just with that company.

News Credits: 1014 · by **First Gen** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 2:04 pm

Hmmm, patenting a function created long before the companies conception.

Has anyone patented turning a light switch on and off? Cuz if not its so mine and you'll all be getting invoices shortly.

News Credits: 767 · by **Dead Metal** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 2:31 pm

First Gen wrote:Hmmm, patenting a function created long before the companies conception.

Has anyone patented turning a light switch on and off? Cuz if not its so mine and you'll all be getting invoices shortly.

I've just patented entering the Internet via: Modem, broadband, cable, phone and any portable device.

consider yourselves sued B-)

News Credits: 2 · by **Shadowman** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 3:10 pm

Remember when Spike Lee tried to copyright the letter X?

News Credits: 49 · by **Senor Hugo** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 4:30 pm

I really feel for these guys. I, like these fine gentlemen, am putting through several patents for things I created.

It really is an uphill struggle for us, when you create something that you love, you have to patent it so people can enjoy your creation just as much as you, for a price.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to get paid for your ideas.

I myself am getting a patent put through on several things, blinking(I've been doing it since I was born, so it's obviously my creation), bowl movements(same reason), and sexual activities.

It only makes sense, if people want to enjoy or do any of these, they owe me a dollar every time. I have invented several devices to help ensure that I will receive the monetary payments for anyone doing any of those three (soon to be)patented activities.

First is the blinkometer, it's like a stepcounter that people use for walking, only this one counts how many times you blink, then using wi-fi signals beams the number at the end of the month to my payments department to send you the monthly bill for blinking.

The other device, well lets just say it's a pair of titanium briefs that allow you to put in the appropriate coinage and then it opens up a special door in one of two areas so you can do either of the other two activities. It's a great device, every week a guy shows up to empty the coin depository for me.

So like I said, these guys, I really feel for them, it'll be a long-uphill battle for them to earn the right to get paid for something that everyone does.

Although, thinking about it, on the plus side, this would spell the end for Myspace.

Like Me, Grimlock! on Facebook · by **Me, Grimlock!** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:04 pm

Fixed:

Senor Hugo wrote:I myself am getting a patent put through on several things, blinking(I've been doing it since I was born, so it's obviously my creation), bowl movements(same reason), and sexual activities (same reason).

I really doubt this is going far. I'm not a legal whiz, but this seems like one of those things that would fall under fair use. Can a patent be deleted because of fair use?

Spike Lee tried to patent X? Doesn't Marvel Comics have that patent?

News Credits: 1 · by ***Galvatron*** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:48 pm

"You're ALL FIRED!!!" :twisted:

I'm going to patent that catch phrase like the Donald tried to get "Your fired" patented / trade marked.

I'm also going to patent the way I type...hunt and peck.

News Credits: 8 · by **Liege Evilmus** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:53 pm

That reminds me, I'll be patenting Beer, Lager, BaseBall, and Steaks, and well as Water, and Weather, Birth Control Devices, and what the hell Cell Phones, Puppies, and Wrist Watches.

And believe me, I will be collecting on these items!!!

Like Me, Grimlock! on Facebook · by **Me, Grimlock!** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:00 pm

So if we use an image to link to another site in our sigs, does that mean Seibertron is liable?

News Credits: 150 · by **GetterDragun** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:05 pm

I patented Patenting!

All your patents are belong to me.

News Credits: 8 · by **Liege Evilmus** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:12 pm

Oh yeah, well I just patented you!

All GetterDraguns now belong to me

News Credits: 226 · by **Burn** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:44 pm

Liege Evilmus wrote:Oh yeah, well I just patented you!

All GetterDraguns now belong to me

Well that just creates a circular paradox that'll consume the universe. :shock:

News Credits: 150 · by **GetterDragun** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 8:23 pm

Burn wrote:
Liege Evilmus wrote:Oh yeah, well I just patented you!

All GetterDraguns now belong to me

Well that just creates a circular paradox that'll consume the universe.

No! There is a way out! The patent ignoring laws of China will save us all! Actually, this would make them the best place to host a server.

News Credits: 226 · by **Burn** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 8:50 pm

Chinese KO Servers FTW!?

News Credits: 349 · by **Bed Bugs** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:44 pm

I just patented Spam and Junk Mail. I expect my trillions in licensing fees by the end of the week.

Now bow before me as I have ended those annoying people with my extortionate legal team. I am the hero of the interwebz!

I have also patented images and links. The world may continue using them free of charge, but this bastard be infringing on my turf by putting two of my creations together. Expect a call from my lawyer.

News Credits: 8 · by **Liege Evilmus** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:23 am

GetterDragun wrote:
Burn wrote:
Liege Evilmus wrote:Oh yeah, well I just patented you!

All GetterDraguns now belong to me

Well that just creates a circular paradox that'll consume the universe.

No! There is a way out! The patent ignoring laws of China will save us all! Actually, this would make them the best place to host a server.

So what, now I have to find a new way to destroy the universe with consumer affairs!?!

So close, I was so close :sad: