Net2phone Sues Skype

robyannetta writes "Net2phone is suing Skype for patent infringement, arguing Skype violated patent 6,108,704 for 'the exchange of IP addresses between processing units in order to establish a direct communications link between the devices via the Internet.'"

Re:I'm Confused

[Thnikkaman]

And these computers form some sort of bond to each other... a network of sorts. Hey, what if this "network" went to computers beyond those that are in close proximity. An international network of sorts. An "Internet" for short. Consider it patented, kids. I'm gonna be rich.

and more...

[notlisted]

In other news, Net2phone sues Aunt Sue for the exchange of a phone number in order to establish a direct communications link between voice devices via the telecom network!

Come on.. how much more broken can our patent system get?

i'm switching!

[necromcr]

is morse code patented and what baud rates can you achieve?

It's brilliant!

[Barraketh]

Now, as everyone has pointed out, just about anything on the internet will qualify as prior art. Seriously - pick any random common service that runs over the internet, and it's prior art. However, people are missing the deep point behind this move:

1) Borrow Skype stock. Sell it.
2) Sue Skype. Skype stock goes down
3) Buy Skype stock at low price (as much as you can). Return the stock you borrowed, keep the rest.
4) Get bitchslapped in court. Skype stock goes up.
5) Sell Skype stock at high price.
6) Profit!!

Notice the lack of the ??? step... this is foolproof. Hell, I should go sue someone for something - it doesn't even matter what, the way the market works all you need is a little publicity for your lawsuit, and you're golden!

My considered reaction to this patent

[bcmm]

LOL.

It is now!

[Anonymous Coward]

Thanks for the idea!

x. Profit!!!

Re:It's brilliant!

[Barraketh]

Who the hell are you, and what are you doing on slashdot? Come on - to know stuff like this, I would have had to do some sort of research. Me, I'm beyond that! Hell, I didn't even read the article, but look at me posting... I'm unstoppable!

On a slightly unrelated topic, stop moderating my parent post as funny! It's insightful! Insightful goddamit! Jeez people - I give you gold...

Re:I'm Confused

[jimbolaya]

Damn you, Al Gore! Damn you!