IBM Files For Patent On Patent Trolling, But It May Be Too Late

from the different-methods-of-trolling? dept

A few folks have been submitting this story from Conceivably Tech about how IBM is applying for a patent that appears to cover some aspect of patent trolling. The patent application (20100332285), which was published just before the end of the year seeks to cover a "computerized system for an intellectual property (IP) framework" which includes what appear to be patent troll-style moves -- such as monitoring the market to find "licensing" opportunities.

Of course, IBM might be a bit late to the game. As we noted over two years ago, it looked like Halliburton (yes, Halliburton) was applying for a patent on patent trolling -- and that patent was a lot more explicit. So perhaps IBM may find that there's a fair amount of prior art to deal with...

Filed Under: patent trolling, patents
Companies: halliburton, ibm

BP Ignored Safety Software In Setting Up Oil Well

from the no-surprise-there dept

Slashdot points us to the news about how BP blatantly ignored the advice of safety software that it was using in setting up the oil well at the center of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster. Apparently, much of this information slipped out accidentally. The Oil Spill Commission accidentally revealed the following slide, which it had not meant to post, which highlights many of the "risky" steps taken by BP, Halliburton and Transocean in an effort to cut corners and save time: According to the report, Halliburton's software had noted "serious stability concerns" with the well, leading BP to order more "centralizers." Unfortunately, when those centralizers arrived, BP engineers (incorrectly) thought they were the wrong type for the well, leading BP to just ignore it. An email apparently stated:

"Who cares, it's done, end of story, we'll probably be fine."

Ah, yes. Now there's an email someone now wishes they had not written.

Filed Under: safety software
Companies: bp, halliburton, transocean

Halliburton Tries To Patent Form Of Patent Trolling

from the fascinating dept

We see all sorts of ridiculous patent applications and patents, but my favorites tend to be the patents that have to do with patents themselves (such as the patent app on a method for filing a patent). However, the folks over at Patently-O have highlighted a fascinating patent application from an attorney at Halliburton, which appears to be an attempt to patent the process of patent trolling. The application covers, quite explicitly, having a company (we'll say Company A) that does not invent something, find a company (Company B) that did invent something, but chose to use trade secret protection, rather than patents. Then, the Company A files a patent covering Company B's technology, and then use the issued patent to get money out of Company B. Now, one could hope that Halliburton's intention in patenting such a process was to use it to stop other companies from doing this, but it does make you wonder. Of course, especially after the Bilski ruling, this patent is most likely dead in the water, but these days, you never know.

Filed Under: bilski, patent trolling, patents, trade secrets
Companies: halliburton