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This is almost definitely a direct result of the recent legislation that changed patents from a 'first to invent' to 'first to file' system. Basically, Twitter
by mikeocool 14y ago
This is almost definitely a direct result of the recent legislation that changed patents from a 'first to invent' to 'first to file' system. Basically, Twitter had to file a patent on twitter-like services, or someone else could come along, patent it, and force Twitter to 'license' the tech.
The law went into effect on Monday.
- xfghpu 14y agoIt has nothing to do with the recent legislation. The patent was filed in 2008, so is under the old "first to invent" regime.
- emelski 14y agoTwitter's patent application was filed in 2008, so no, this is not related to the recent legislative change.
- jacques_chester 14y agoThat is not at all how "first to file" works. You still need to be presenting a novel invention that doesn't have prior art. First to file drastically reduces the number and complexity of patent disputes and it improves the stability of a patent once acquired. And there's always been a de facto paperwork requirement under first to invent anyhow, it's just that you had to keep nauseatingly detailed "inventor's logs" just in case somebody sued you. And even then you could be bankrupted in court by someone running a frivolous interference case. First to file is a net win. That's why everyone else on Earth has been using it. IANAL, TINLA.