Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #02327
To: Bruce_Robinson@bc.sympatico.ca
From: JVernonM@aol.com
Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 21:06:38 EDT
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: CPU again? (was Beam genome)
In a message dated 4/14/99 7:55:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
Bruce_Robinson@bc.sympatico.ca writes:
> There's nothing that says you can't patent a new idea which is based on
> an existing patent held by someone else. Indeed, patents are very
> explicit and there has been more than one case where people overlooked
> an obvious extension of their idea, failed to mention it in their
> patent, and had someone else patent that idea. The integrated circuit is
> an example.
Yes, I can see that.
> The most important part of a patent is the section called the "Claims".
> This is what's actually patented. Mark Tilden's patent has 19 claims and
> it's a very interesting read. For example, claim 1 begins, "A sequencing
> circuit for controlling the motion of a mechanical limb actuated by at
> least servo motor, ..." (sic). If you read the claims section as a
> whole, the patent really covers a circuit controlling one or more
> mechanical limbs (and a great many possible variations thereof), as well
> as autonomous devices based on this claim. I suspect you'll find lots
> and lots of innovative ways to go beyond the claims of this patent.
Interesting. I'll need to read that section more carefully.
> People don't just patent ideas in order to become filthy rich. A patent
> by a well-intentioned individual can prevent someone else (e.g. an "evil
> corporation") from keeping a stranglehold on an idea. As far as I've
> seen, Mark Tilden has been very lenient in allowing experimeters to use
> his invention. And why not? If someone comes up with a patentable
> extension that results in a runaway commerical success, Mark AND the new
> inventor stand to gain.
Yes, that sounds reasonable. I know Mark actually encourages others to
tinker. That actually came out a little harsher than I intended. I had been
up all night printing a last minute T-shirt order and after 300 or so I get a
little punchy. Moreover, I think the only thing an inventor can gain from a
lawsuit is profits gained from infringing on his patent. We do this mostly
for fun so I don't think it matters. I guess if I did stumble upon that
better mouse trap a collaboration with Tilden would be the only really honest
way to go anyway (unless it doesn't infringe).
> Personally I try so hard because it's a challenge and it's stimulating.
And that is the only truly spiritual reason for doing anything!
Jim
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