Comments on: Patent and Local

By: JG

JG — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:27:51 +0000

Jon: Even with structured data, if the user information need is orthogonal to your ontology, you will still need fancy algorithms to search through and explore the information space. Tagging and metadata does not obviate clever algorithmics

By: Jon Garfunkel

Jon Garfunkel — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:52:42 +0000

In a world without structured data, you need patented algorithms to do the indexing that content creators won't do. Topix has their own magic formula for figuring out where content comes from.

But, if you can encourage geotagging and other standard metadata (cf. "microformats"), you can lessen the need for patented algorithms.

Thus, the Searcher must ask: is Google motivated to supply geotagging and other microformats in Blogspot? I wonder.

By: james dee

james dee — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:49:19 +0000

The trouble with Companies making patents within the Tech Industry is in their true intentions. Do they plan to get a particular patent before they launch a business based around their 'new patent'. Or are they the same as cyber-squatters, that only want to sit on a potential money-earner and stifle the free market.

Patents for the Tech Industries could eventually become an unhealthy 'Poison Pill', preventing creativity and commerce from seeing the light of day.
Mapping or Earth Based Sites are just another 'Distribution Channel' for Location Based Searches. Patents should not be given out just because users are moving onto a different 'Distribution Channel'.