Illegal to think

June 27, 2004 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments ()

If you invest your time in solving a problem, then you should be entitled to whatever rewards the marketplace is willing to pay for your solution. Nobody should be allowed to steal your solution and sell it, or give it away. On the other hand, people who face the problem that you are trying to solve should be allowed to solve their problem on their ownwithout paying you.

The issue that we are facing today is that a lot of people are trying to solve very simple problems, but in solving their problems, they are risking getting sued by somebody who also solved the simple problem.

A 7 year old in St. Paul owns a patent on Sideways Swinging

Clearchannel recently won a patent for selling recordings of concerts immediately after completion. Much like the churches I have been attending have done for years.

Microsoft apparently now owns the rights to mouse double-clicking

Of course Amazon owns the 1-click

Washington Mutual Bank was granted a patent for their Banking approach

According to the patent's description, embodiments of the invention include the teller towers which remove the traditional barrier of a teller line and allow easier interaction between the customer service representative and the customer. Also described were the circular or oval layout of the retail banking stores, the concierge desk where customers are greeted and guided to the appropriate service area, and a kids' play area included in many of the company's stores. Further noted was the access to online banking through wamu.com and bank employees who are hired for their high sales aptitude in order to cross-sell the company's financial products.

As long as we have problems, people are going to think of solutions. We need to take action to insure that we are allowed to do so without getting sued at every turn.

The government should be doing everything it can to ecourage problem solving. Not inhibit it. Right now, I think innovation is being stiffled by needless litigation.

Comments

I find it amazing how out of control our intelectual property rights are getting in this country. It seems like our lust for money has overtaken our lust for knowledge, and we are willing to forgo the later in order to protect the interests of a few with deep pockets. If you invest your time in solving a problem, then you should be entitled to whatever rewards the marketplace is willing to pay for your solution. Nobody should be allowed to steal your solution and sell it, or give it away. On the other hand, people who face the problem that you are trying to solve should be allowed to solve their problem on their ownwithout paying you. The issue that we are facing today is that a lot of people are trying to solve very simple problems, but in solving their problems, they are risking getting sued by somebody who also solved the simple problem. A 7 year old in St. Paul owns a patent on Sideways Swinging Clearchannel recently won a patent for selling recordings of concerts immediately after completion. Much like the churches I have been attending have done for years. Microsoft apparently now owns the rights to mouse double-clicking Of course Amazon owns the 1-click Washington Mutual Bank was granted a patent for their Banking approach

According to the patent's description, embodiments of the invention include the teller towers which remove the traditional barrier of a teller line and allow easier interaction between the customer service representative and the customer. Also described were the circular or oval layout of the retail banking stores, the concierge desk where customers are greeted and guided to the appropriate service area, and a kids' play area included in many of the company's stores. Further noted was the access to online banking through wamu.com and bank employees who are hired for their high sales aptitude in order to cross-sell the company's financial products.

My question is what good can come from this? Now if Wells Fargo decides to put toys or a receptionist in their branch they are risking getting sued? If I own a bank, and I want to be successful, I don't think I will be stealing WAMU's idea if I hire employees "for their high sales aptitude in order to cross-sell the company's financial products" As long as we have problems, people are going to think of solutions. We need to take action to insure that we are allowed to do so without getting sued at every turn. The government should be doing everything it can to ecourage problem solving. Not inhibit it. Right now, I think innovation is being stiffled by needless litigation.