I love This American Life. This latest episode is a must listen. It’s about patents. With the NAR CIVIX settlement wrapping up and now this, the story is very timely. To me this is the biggest issue facing the technology industry and independent software developers are the biggest target. Gulp!
Nice scoop @rqd !
Back in June I said this CIVIX thing is like an onion. There are many layers and Trulia is just one.
If you look at the NAR license closely and see which other companies are NOT covered, you will be gobsmacked
I’m not naming names because I don’t want to throw vendors under the bus. If CIVIX has it all planned out, fine. If they don’t, I’m not going to be the one that calls attention to what I think was a huge mistake by NAR.
If it turns out NAR covered them or can cover them, that’s great. It would be better if NAR would get official about who is and isn’t covered.
As long as we’re talking patents, let’s throw Smarter Agent into the ring.
A patent for “System and method of creating an adjustable commission” in real estate.
Quoting from the patent:
“There is also a need for a method of providing a commission or fee that is adjustable as factors and conditions change that may affect the sale of the property.”
This is the epitome of a failed patent system. How does a patent examiner approve this?
Here’s the link to the Smarter Agent patent:
http://is.gd/fYV60R
we were in the first 30 day period which permanently protected our regions agents and vendors. Nobody likes to pay out, but this was surely the best course of action. I am sad to think thought that the funds many have paid for anonimity will be spent to collect from those willing to fight the monster.