SnapNames runs a PATENT APPLICATION for domain snapping

[netznutz]

Be careful folks ... snapping domains may become patented
and then SnapNames will ask you for license fees.

http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1='20020091827'.PGNR.&OS=DN/20020091827&RS=DN/20020091827

The applicants are the exec team of SnapNames:

http://www.snapnames.com/corporate_execteam_len.html

Were there any snap services before November 1, 2001? Certainly ...

 

[Gail]

Dang - I know only enough about patents to sound stupid, but the way that is written it looks like they aren't just trying to patent their process which might have some proprietary applications, but also the actual concept. I thought you couldn't patent an idea (or is that TM or copyright?)

 

[Drewbert]

Yep. It'll fail on prior art.

Note that the talking heads at Snap have always wanked on about their patented "technology" (cough cough).

This patent is the basis of Verisign's argument for the current structure of the WLS.

Anyone with a brain knows that a better system could be built with out this "parallel registry" CRAP.

 

[DomainPairs]

There is too much for me to read at the moment. One interesting thought did occur to me though. One of their justifications is consideration for the previous owner. The thing that will blow this whole issue away is if they have to give all proceeds from auctions or services to that owner. Seems fair to me.

 

[DomainGoon]

I didn't read the link. When do they claim they first used this technology?

I know of at least one company who was offering an expired domain sniping service at least as early as 1999.

I have plenty of proof on the 1999 date and the service.