The short of it: the patent describes a system whereby contextual ads are delivered on a user’s computer using software that lives on that computer – ie a toolbar, a browser, an aggregator, etc.
While the patent is not filed by Google per se, many of the engineers named are employees of Google. This is sometimes done by companies who wish to obscure their intent. No idea if this is the case in this case, but seemingly, this patent covers a potential expansion of Google’s advertising revenue model. It may be, though, simply a way of covering their current model as well. The timing, given the recent settlement with Overture, is interesting in any case.
I am not a lawyer, but I don’t think companies can file for patents, only individuals can. Typically the employment agreements at these companies require you to assign all your interests in patents you file (with the help of the corp’s attorneys) to the corp.
Gary continues:
“Worth Noting
1) Today’s item and the others are published patent “apps”
2) A closer look reveals that today’s app is “related” and “continues” two
other patent apps
SERVING ADVERTISEMENTS BASED ON CONTENT
http://digbig.com/4bpxx
which continues:
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SERVING RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS
http://digbig.com/4bpxy
B) This app might also be of interest:
Serving advertisements using information associated with e-mail
http://digbig.com/4bpya“