Patent US5443036 - Method of exercising a cat with a lazer.

[tom_mai78101]

Let's just say the patent wars between HTC, Samsung, Google and Apple are fighting in the frontlines for quite a while. If for some reason, a jurisdiction is made such that anyone who uses any patented method without consent of the patent owner, will be charged with patent infringement, it may also mean that just about anyone can be prosecuted.

And for that, I have the one and only Exhibit A.

US5443036A - Method of exercising a cat - Google Patents

A method for inducing cats to exercise consists of directing a beam of invisible light produced by a hand-held laser apparatus onto the floor or wall or other opaque surface in the vicinity of the cat, then moving the laser so as to cause the bright pattern of light to move in an irregular way...

patents.google.com

Do you think that if you use this method, you are risking yourself under the laws of your country?

 

[Accname]

i dont want to live on this planet anymore.

 

[FireCat]

Holy shit, totally ridiculous.

 

[Varine]

Jesus christ... I came up with that in 1992! That SOB stole my idea!

 

[FireCat]

I came up with that in 1992! That SOB stole my idea!

Hahahaha, Blame yourself ! Btw: prove that it was your idea!

 

[vypur85]

The figure in the article is appalling.

 

[KaerfNomekop]

That anybody would even THINK of patenting this idea is ridiculous. It's like patenting reading as a form of entertainment.

 

[tom_mai78101]

Hahahaha, Blame yourself ! Btw: prove that it was your idea!

Better question: Prove that you didn't use this patented method to point a laser beam of any color onto a wall.

That counts as a patent infringement if you can't prove it.

 

[FireCat]

Better question: Prove that you didn't use this patented method to point a laser beam of any color onto a wall.

That counts as a patent infringement if you can't prove it.

But the ridiculous patent issue was created.. (Filing date: Nov 2, 1993
Issue date: Aug 22, 1995.) Well, you see, Varine claims he came up with the ridiculous idea" year 1992! So it can't be a patent infringement. Right?

 

[Zakyath]

You may do this however much you'd like. But you can't create a company where you use this method to train cats without permission from the patent holder. I don't think it's so odd that you shouldn't be allowed to make money from other people's ideas (for a limited amount of time).

 

[FireCat]

I don't think it's so odd that you shouldn't be allowed to make money from other people's ideas (for a limited amount of time).

Yeah kind of agree, but it Just isn't his idea from beginning. Simple as that.

 

[tom_mai78101]

But the ridiculous patent issue was created.. (Filing date: Nov 2, 1993
Issue date: Aug 22, 1995.) Well, you see, Varine claims he came up with the ridiculous idea" year 1992! So it can't be a patent infringement. Right?

My question is valid only after the method itself is patented, hence the present particle verb of "patented", the 7th boldfaced text.

 

[Zakyath]

Yeah kind of agree, but it Just isn't his idea from beginning. Simple as that.

How do you know that? You are just assuming. The patent is proof enough that he invented it. So unless someone else comes along with proof that they invented it before (just saying you did it isn't proof), the patent holder should have every right to say he invented it. It might seem a little odd, and the system is not perfect, but I don't think we have overlooked any greater alternatives.

 

[FireCat]

Anyways, I have good news to bring.

Actually, "The patent expired in 2007 for failure to pay maintenance fees

Ha ha ha

 

[Varine]

http://www.google.com/patents?vid=USPAT6293874

 

[DDRtists]

http://www.google.com/patents?vid=USPAT6293874

I so wanna build one, for shits and giggles. xP

 

[Varine]

I so wanna build one, for shits and giggles. xP

So many ridiculous patents.

http://www.google.com/patents/US7661208?dq=writing+with+foot&ei=5ddAT6acCKOgiQLLm4ipAQ

 

[FireCat]

Turtle Air Bags

Patent awarded: 2000
Patent says: "It is generally record[ed] that there is a greater risk of serious injury to motorcyclists in the case of an accident than to automobile passengers. This is due, inter alia, to the fact that, unlike automobiles, motorcycles are not equipped with protective systems which enclose users thereof."
We say: Does this safety device really make riding a motorcycle seem less daunting?

Life Expectancy Watch

Patent awarded: 2002
Patent says: "Life expectancy has been a major concern of people throughout the ages."
We say: It's hard to feel good amid a spiraling economy, crumbling infrastructure, a decaying environment, and a sky-high divorce rate. But now there's hope! This watch reminds you it's only a matter of time before you die.
:nuts:

 

[tom_mai78101]

They are never as common as my Exhibit A.

 

[FireCat]

They are never as common as my Exhibit A.

Maybe not. But they are the wackiest patent that we've ever seen. Isn't that so? lol