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It's depressing to see a respected and influential software industry icon resorting to patent trolling like this. I expect it from lawyers and corporate-raider types, but was surprised to see Paul Allen doing it.

To cherry pick a quote from Dvorak's article: Paul Allen says he has a patent for a "Browser for Use in Navigating a Body of Information...".

On the other hand, corporations love a monopoly, and I guess Paul Allen wants to be involved in another one.



How likely is Paul Allen doing this as an attempt to weaken software patents? MS is trying the SCOTUS in an effort to make it more difficult to assert claims. Wonder if this might be part of the same strategic play. Doubtful, I know.


Very unlikely. He targeted everyone but Gates. His attack is legitimate.

However Allen can feel just, I guess, given that he has dedicated most his wealth to charity after he dies. So he's essentially playing Robin Hood.




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