If you wanted more proof that the patent system lacks credibility, then look at what Microsoft and IBM have just been sued over.

JuxtaComm also has provisional patents for a system and method of managing and updating data from a number of sources for a project, and for a system and method of controlling and monitoring an application in a network— methodologies and software likely used by any number of software vendors.

This one 'invention' seems very trivial, with prior art going as far back as the 70s, according to someone whom I discussed this with. Need anyone fear software patent threats, let alone ones that are vague and probably unsubstantiated?

Related/recent links:

• Broadcom Reaps Patent Suit Benefits"



• EFF Challenges Bogus Patent on Internet Subdomains



• Gates' anti-Linux patent plot [PDF]

Update: another very interesting article can be found here. As a form of a teaser:

“The risk of willful infringement has been a particular problem in the IT sector, where there are vast number of patents, many of which are junk. Legal departments tell engineers not to read patents because of the risk of willful infringement, and the quality is so low that engineers are happy to comply.”

There is also some talk about change of rules.