Netflix DVD rentals: $20 a month. U.S Patent & Trademark Office's total lack of a freakin' clue: priceless.
So now the USPTO has granted a patent on DVD rental service
to Netflix. I have nothing against Netflix: I think their method is
great - never understimate the bandwith of an envelope with a DVD in
it. But to grant a patent on this just undermines the credibility of
the USPTO yet further. They really needed that!
So now, anyone else who wants to charge a fixed fee for DVD rentals
through the mail - or maybe not even through the mail? - will owe cash
to Netflix. Smart idea on their part, sad and STOOPID on the part of
the USPTO.
I feel sorry for them, really...