Quote:
Originally posted by chodadog@Feb 25 2004, 08:02 AM
So, it's entirely possible that site owners could be paying up to 3 companies for licenses to use one technology? That sickens me.
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Yes. If a company has digitized video on their website, and has either members or pay-per-view model, then Acacia, SightSound, and USA Video could have licensing claims.
It is quite absurd that a business would have to pay licenses to more than 1 patent for the same thing (assuming patent validity).
The only way to get out of this situation is either to wait for the patentees to fight amongst themselves, so that only 1 is still standing, and then everyone has to pay that one or the alternative, to invalidate the patents directly with the USPTO.
It's cheaper than fighting in court.. but it still costs money.... but no one is in the position to do that... it would take some kind of organization or foundation to do that.
Fight the Apathy!