References to Redphone's "patent"

"Lawrence Rosen" <lrosen@rosenlaw.com> Fri, 13 February 2009 16:19 UTC

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From: Lawrence Rosen <lrosen@rosenlaw.com>
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References: <87skmknar8.fsf@ashbery.wjsullivan.net> <tslfxiiuzs5.fsf@live.mit.edu>
Subject: References to Redphone's "patent"
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:18:10 -0800
Organization: Rosenlaw & Einschlag
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Lots of the recent emails on this list refer to Redphone's "patent" but
there is no such thing.

As anyone who has ever worked with real patents knows, there is a great
difference between a patent application and a patent. Whatever claims are
written in patent applications are merely wishes and hopes, placeholders for
negotiated language after a detailed examination of the application. Until
the PTO actually issues a patent, nothing is fixed. And even then,
newly-found prior art and other issues can defeat an issued patent. 

Why are we all so afraid of Redphone? Who gives a damn what patent claims
they hope to get? 

There's something wrong with the IETF process if spurious and self-serving
assertions that "a patent application has been filed" can serve to hold up
progress on important technology. I wish you'd ask real patent attorneys to
advise the community on this rather than react with speculation and a
generalized fear of patents.

/Larry

Lawrence Rosen
Rosenlaw & Einschlag, a technology law firm (www.rosenlaw.com)
3001 King Ranch Road, Ukiah, CA 95482
707-485-1242 * cell: 707-478-8932 * fax: 707-485-1243
Skype: LawrenceRosen