3 ms·

That only covers linked lists that have multiple "next" pointers, so you can traverse it in more than one order. It's still stupidly obvious, but does not cover

by pjscott 14y ago

That only covers linked lists that have multiple "next" pointers, so you can traverse it in more than one order. It's still stupidly obvious, but does not cover singly-linked lists.

jlgreco 14y ago
Pootch was asked to implement a doubly linked list, ie a linked list with axillary pointers that allows an alternative transversal.
- pjscott 14y ago
  Ah, I misread. In that case it is claimed by that patent, but this almost certainly wouldn't hold up in court, because there's so much prior art for doubly-linked lists. This situation would be laughable if it weren't backed up by the force of law.
  - vvhn 14y ago
    How does answering an interview question violate/infringe any patent (valid or invalid). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_infringement http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_infringement states " The definition of patent infringement may vary by jurisdiction, but it typically includes using or selling the patented invention. In many countries, a use is required to be commercial (or to have a commercial purpose) to constitute patent infringement.[citation needed] "
    - beambot 14y ago
      Perhaps it could be an example of indirect (contributory) infringement if the company used his interview solution in a product (ie. he facilitated their infringement)? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contributory_patent_infringement http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contributory_patent_infringemen... Pretty unlikely in this case, but I can think of interviews where I had the same concern. MegaCorp posed a problem they were having (eg. preventing radar self jamming), I told them one solution I knew of, but I was very careful to point out that it was patented less they turn around and use it. So I share the parent's question: Can you be held liable for infringement due to a job interview answer?
      - admax88q 14y ago
        Patents are not trade secrets. There's nothing illegal about communicating the contents of a patent.

by pjscott 14y ago

That only covers linked lists that have multiple "next" pointers, so you can traverse it in more than one order. It's still stupidly obvious, but does not cover singly-linked lists.

jlgreco 14y ago

Pootch was asked to implement a doubly linked list, ie a linked list with axillary pointers that allows an alternative transversal.

pjscott 14y ago
Ah, I misread. In that case it is claimed by that patent, but this almost certainly wouldn't hold up in court, because there's so much prior art for doubly-linked lists. This situation would be laughable if it weren't backed up by the force of law.
- vvhn 14y ago
  How does answering an interview question violate/infringe any patent (valid or invalid). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_infringement http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_infringement states " The definition of patent infringement may vary by jurisdiction, but it typically includes using or selling the patented invention. In many countries, a use is required to be commercial (or to have a commercial purpose) to constitute patent infringement.[citation needed] "
  - beambot 14y ago
    Perhaps it could be an example of indirect (contributory) infringement if the company used his interview solution in a product (ie. he facilitated their infringement)? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contributory_patent_infringement http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contributory_patent_infringemen... Pretty unlikely in this case, but I can think of interviews where I had the same concern. MegaCorp posed a problem they were having (eg. preventing radar self jamming), I told them one solution I knew of, but I was very careful to point out that it was patented less they turn around and use it. So I share the parent's question: Can you be held liable for infringement due to a job interview answer?
    - admax88q 14y ago
      Patents are not trade secrets. There's nothing illegal about communicating the contents of a patent.