IP: TIME TO FIX the Patent system -- Amazon patents "affiliate programs" technology

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

> Subject: Amazon patents "affiliate programs" technology
> To: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>
> cc: Jeff.Hodges () stanford edu
> From: Jeff.Hodges () stanford edu
>
>
> http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1007-200-1558650.html?tag=st.ne.1002.thed.1007-200-
> 1558650
>
> credit: blurb seen on http://slashdot.org/ this morn.
>
> JeffH
> -----
>
> Amazon patents affiliate programs technology
>       By The Associated Press
>       Special to CNET News.com
>       February 25, 2000, 5:00 p.m. PT
>
>       SEATTLE--In a move that could shake up e-commerce, Internet retailer
> Amazon.com has patented a
>       technology that lets other Web sites send it customers in exchange 
> for a
> commission.
>
>       These "affiliate programs" are commonly used by many sites, including
> Amazon competitors, to enhance sales.
>       Amazon's possession of a patent on the technology could allow the
> company to prohibit others from using it, or
>       Amazon could charge them a fee if they want to use it.
>
>       "If they choose to enforce this, it may radically impact aspects of
> emerging technology for Web shopping," Rob
>       Labatt, an analyst at the research firm Gartner Group, said Friday. 
> "The
> $64,000 question is whether they'll enforce
>       it."
>
>       Amazon wouldn't say today what plans it has for the new patent.
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