Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#1

Post by yock » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 12:50 PM UTC

Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder
blog.runwayfinder.com

Re: Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#2

Post by madars » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 2:47 PM UTC

The patent in question is http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7640098.html (source: http://news.priorsmart.com/stenbock-everson-v-runwayfinder-l...)

Re: Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#3

Post by mwg66 » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 2:55 PM UTC

Is it possible for RunwayFinder to be hosted outside of the US? For example, if RunwayFinder is not premium (and not sold to the US), why can't the service be hosted in the UK or Europe where the patent is not valid?

Re: Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#4

Post by megamark16 » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 2:57 PM UTC

Software patents are so infuriating! It's amazing how something that was designed to encourage creativity and innovation is effectively stopping innovation.

Re: Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#5

Post by ccarpenterg » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 2:58 PM UTC

For those (like me) who didn't know about RunwayFinder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3fTLYwM1d0

Re: Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#6

Post by Zak » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 3:00 PM UTC

madars wrote: post #2

The patent in question is http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7640098.html (source: http://news.priorsmart.com/stenbock-everson-v-runwayfinder-l... )

To summarize: it's a patent on the idea of overlaying a flight plan on a map using a website. The general case of this is drawing line-segments on a background, something every trivial paint program can do. This patent clearly fails the obviousness test.

Re: Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#7

Post by mwg66 » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 3:06 PM UTC

Zak wrote: post #6

madars wrote: post #2

The patent in question is http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7640098.html (source: http://news.priorsmart.com/stenbock-everson-v-runwayfinder-l... )

To summarize: it's a patent on the idea of overlaying a flight plan on a map using a website. The general case of this is drawing line-segments on a background, something every trivial paint program can do. This patent clearly fails the obviousness test.

I wonder if an appeal to a company such as Google might sponsor a reprisal? It seems relevant to many businesses interests.

Re: Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#8

Post by regularfry » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 3:09 PM UTC

Invoking the "every visitor/download/viewer represents a lost sale" argument? Seriously? Isn't that like Godwinning a legal exchange these days?

Re: Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#9

Post by findm » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 3:11 PM UTC

Not only is the software patent outrageous but the lawyer math is totally baloney every visitor represents a lost sale of 149. ridiculous.

Re: Software Patents Shut Down RunwayFinder

#10

Post by japaget » Wed, Dec 15, 2010, 3:14 PM UTC

ccarpenterg wrote: post #5

For those (like me) who didn't know about RunwayFinder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3fTLYwM1d0

For those who hate video or have youtube.com blocked, see CrunchBase at http://www.crunchbase.com/company/runwayfinder:

RunwayFinder is a flight planning resource for U.S. pilots, showing current weather conditions for airports in an area at a glance displayed on seamless sectional and terminal charts. In addition, routes, range circles, and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) can be plotted.