[uf-discuss] copy-and-paste metadata prior art?

[Joe Andrieu]

IE already performs the functions described in the first several independent
claims in the patent application[1]and would be considered prior art.

See the specs on CF_HTML, the clipboard format for HTML[2].

If we agree that the extra data pre-pended to the actual "copied" HTML can
be considered "meta-data" and that Title and SourceURL are "citation"
information, Windows and IE's use CF_HTML seems to fully cover the core
claims of this patent. IANAL, but FWIW, I have been through the patent
process.

However, the publication of applications and how one might contest said
application is something new. It is apparently covered by 37 CFR §1.291
Protests by the public against pending applications [3]. It appears as if
one may simply write a protest letter to the USPTO referencing patent
#20060218492.

Based on my reading of the page on mailing addresses[4], you could send such
a letter via USPS directly to:
        Commissioner for Patents
        P.O. Box 1450
        Alexandria, VA 22313-1450

I have just now drafted a brief letter to the Commissioner incorporating the
above analysis and a copy of the opening section of the CF_HTML spec.

I encourage you to submit any examples of prior art you might have in the
same manner.  And if anyone discovers that this /isn't/ how one would
protest a patent application, please let me know.

-j

[1]
http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2F
netahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20060218492
.PGNR.&OS=DN/20060218492&RS=DN/20060218492

[2]
http://msdn.microsoft.com/workshop/networking/clipboard/htmlclipboard.asp

[3] http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/appxr_1_291.htm

[4] http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/patboxs.htm

--
Joe Andrieu
joe at andrieu.net
+1 (805) 705-8651