Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!bellcore!faline!thumper!ulysses!andante!mit-eddie!bu-cs!purdue!decwrl!mejac!gryphon!anb02!cherry
From: cherry@anb02.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.sources.d
Subject: Re: Phil Katz (PKARC author) sued b
Summary: Software patents
Message-ID: <519@anb02.CTS.COM>
Date: 30 Jun 88 01:47:16 GMT
References: <151@kadsma.kadsm> <2000002@cpe> <974@flatline.UUCP>
Reply-To: cherry@anb02.CTS.COM (R._Cherry)
Organization: Airwavz National Broadcasting Inc. Redondo Beach, CA
Lines: 31

It is possible to patent an algorithm and software.  I recently received
letters of patent on a fluid multi-deminsional relational database.  The
patent included several 'claims' and also included illustrations describing
its operation.  I was lucky enough to get a VERY GOOD patent attorney who
helped me write the description.

You may patent processes (physical, chemical, numerical, ...) and true
'inventions' which are novel and have a true purpose.  It helps if you can
provide a sample of the intended application but, be careful not to limit
your invention to the example.

Patents are a lot of fun.  I've got quite a collection but, the writeup
and presentation have more to do with receiving a patent than just the
concept.  It can be done but, its a lot more difficult to patent software
than it is hardware.  Its interesting to note that patented software is
better protected than patented hardware.
-- 

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