Comments on: JPG Introduces “Hotness,” I Hope Yahoo Doesn’t Sue Their Ass

By: Michael Galpert

Michael Galpert — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:19:00 +0000

I dont think JPG has anything to worry about, I think Heather Champ has Derek Powazek’s back.

By: alexandru savu

alexandru savu — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 23:20:00 +0000

That’s the biggest peace of BS I have ever heard. Why don’t they issue a pattent for life itself.

By: lisa

lisa — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:56:00 +0000

hotness sounds much better. its much intersting than "intersting'. agree?? haha

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By: Gerald Buckley

Gerald Buckley — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:41:00 +0000

Thomas -

I'm interested in this as it hits WAY close to home. See I'm putting together a certain something (Robert's in the know) here in Tulsa. Nearly got my tail sued due to a "patent pending" situation where the applicant came on VERY blustery, threatening, etc.

I'm still not so sure an applicant can do much in the way of legal action particularly when their application is not considered novel (even when it falls within the 'process' category). Sure, a Yahoo! can posture big and intimidate. But, do they REALLY have grounds BEFORE the patent is issued? I'm bootstrapping and didn't have the means to find out for myself. Fortunately, problem solved itself and the guy landed himself in the penetentiary (what goes around comes around). Might make a good story some day!

Question for you: Did you worry much up front about IP as you've been putting Zooomr together? Or, did you just charge right on in there?

Gerald, aka gWHIZ, Tulsa

By: Jim Goldstein

Jim Goldstein — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:09:00 +0000

Personally I don’t think Yahoo has a leg to stand on with that patent filing. Photosig and Photo.net have been highlighting photos on their site based on interest and time since the mid-to late 90′s. That functionality has been in the public domain for sometime.

To be blunt and with all respect I find the terminology for the functionality lame. Interestingness is marketing jibberish and I should know I’m a marketing guy. My recommendation ditch “awesomeness” and go with “Zooomr’s Best” because thats what it will be. There’s no refuting that in court, but personally I don’t think it’ll ever come to that.