• Neato@ttrpg.network
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    3 months ago

    Of course they’ve patented it. Are they going to patent volume sliders next? Fuck off, Sony.

    • NightAuthor@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      Tbf, it only makes good business sense to try and patent everything you can. Either to hold it as a unique selling point over competitors or to license to others.

      I think the real problem here is the concepts of patents in general.

      • sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works
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        3 months ago

        I’m okay with patents in general, just not software patents, and other patents should be much shorter.

        The original point was to encourage sharing of ideas in exchange for protection while you bring it to market. But it’s mostly just weaponized at this point.

        I’m thinking something like 5 years for most patents, with a one time extension of you can prove you need more time to bring it to market or establish first mover advantage (so 5 years from release or from expiry, whichever happens first).

      • Ross_audio@lemmy.world
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        3 months ago

        If you want a market solution to correct this, it should cost more money to submit frivolous patents.

        Or simply rate limit the number of parents a company can submit if they have a lot of failed applications.

        Sorry, you’ve wasted our time with 3 failed applications this month, no more applications until next month.