Page 1 of 2

Amazon Gets Insane Patent

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 12:06 pm
by Grim...
Just /.ed:

http://internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3563396
internetnews.com wrote:User reviews are a hot new content area, being used by Google, Yahoo and MSN to sweeten their local search results. But as of Thursday, such consumer reviews could put search providers, as well as thousands of e-commerce sites, video rental or review sites and online booksellers, in the sights of Amazon.com's lawyers.

The online retailer of books and just about everything else was awarded three new patents, covering its purchase circles, search and consumer reviews. While Amazon.com's patent police would go after Web publishers, not consumers, the review patent could put the kibosh on the social networking components of many search services.

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 12:48 pm
by Charles256
that's one retarded patent..next thing you know I'm going to have a patent on the echo statement in PHP..while I'm at it cout is mine too! :-D

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 1:00 pm
by foobar
That's why software patents are evil. Glad they haven't been implemented in Europe thanks to Poland's veto.

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 1:09 pm
by m3mn0n
Absolutely stupid. :roll:
The second patent covers a method of discovering and delivering as search results related products from multiple categories, such as books written by Steve Martin, as well as DVDs of movies in which he appeared.
The third patent is the real kicker. It covers methods for encouraging consumers to write reviews of items they've purchased by determining the optimal times to send them e-mails or reminders.

In one embodiment of the patent, the system sends consumers a message inviting them to write a review in a predetermined amount of time after the purchase. It's a method widely used by online retailers, including Yahoo (Quote, Chart) Shopping. The patent also covers the method of tracking who returns to rate products by asking them to click on a unique link in an e-mail.

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 8:11 am
by pilau
This is what the civilization does to people - they want more money.

This step was absolutely done to get a thicker slice of the pie.
It takes something that is free, and that SHOULD be free (I mean, what the hell were they thinking?), and locks it up in a tight 30-inch-thick-wall-safe up on Amazon's bank account.

Really crazy.
Think of the effect it could have on Google. When I want to buy something, I google "[product name] review"
This is very efficient. But what now? Is it the end of it?

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:16 am
by dallasx
Being a business major I can certainly admire the patent aquisitions for such widely used, common functions. However I'm not sure that I completely agree with it.

In a mature market like e-commerce, the only way to get a competative advantage is to take market share for your competitors. That is what I agree with... The business world is dog-eat-dog and a company must try everything it can to get that competative advantage. What I don't agree with is can that even be done?

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 2:56 pm
by trukfixer
Well I think the critical point is this:
The third patent is the real kicker. It covers methods for encouraging consumers to write reviews of items they've purchased by determining the optimal times to send them e-mails or reminders
It doesnt cover the idea of having product reviews . it covers the *METHOD* of getting people to come by and write reviews that Amazon uses..

I could come up with a different method (perhaps merhcants that list products on my site would enclose a survey sheet or a coupon to be used, along with the product shipment.. without using email reminders, etc..)

It really depends on the details, but I do not believe Amazon has locked up the *concept* of product reviews, they just patented their own *METHOD* of getting people to write reviews, so that other "wannabes" cant copy or duplicate their efforts.. their own "formula that works"... but it in no way precludes someone coming up with a NEW formula of their own and patenting THAT method of encouraging customer reviews :)

Just my 2 cents worth ... (FWIW)

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 2:59 pm
by timvw
i want a patent on the following idea:

an echo method that performs htmlentities utf-8 by default.. lowering the risk to shoot yourself in the foot...

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 4:39 pm
by patrikG
I want to patent my DNA sequence. There can only be one me. Everyone else who wants to be like me would have to pay.

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:39 pm
by John Cartwright
I have already pattented your DNA patrikG, you are too late!
Now I only need to perfect my cloning formula :wink:

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:07 am
by patrikG
Jcart wrote:I have already pattented your DNA patrikG, you are too late!
Now I only need to perfect my cloning formula :wink:
Ha, but the DNA is useless without the RNS. I've just slipped into the patent office and have filed for patent there. GACT, I say, GACT!

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:20 am
by Jenk
Jcart wrote:I have already pattented your DNA patrikG, you are too late!
Now I only need to perfect my cloning formula :wink:

Code: Select all

<?php

$patrikG2 = new $patrikG();

?>
© Jenk 2005 - All rights reserved.

:P

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:33 am
by patrikG
Jenk wrote:
Jcart wrote:I have already pattented your DNA patrikG, you are too late!
Now I only need to perfect my cloning formula :wink:

Code: Select all

<?php

$patrikG2 = new $patrikG();

?>
© Jenk 2005 - All rights reserved.

:P
Show me the code ;)

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:39 am
by Jenk
The code I don't care about, I have the patent on the method, which is what I have shown :P

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:41 am
by patrikG
Point taken. I own the constructor though. 8)