http://www.p2pnet.net/article/8286

Use us or we'll seek maximum damages:

The labels and movie folks aren't the only venal acts around. The Acacia Research Corporation has sent patent-infringement letters to colleges across the country offering to "overlook past infringement" if they'll sign on to "a special royalty rate of two percent of gross revenue from each online course that includes digital audio and/or video content", reports the the Chronicle for Higher Education.

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Acacia says it owns patents related to audio and video streaming used for online courses, and that it is entitled to a portion of revenues from such courses, says the Chronicle, continuing:

"The letters close with a stern warning: 'If you continue using our patented technology, but choose not to obtain a license from Acacia, we reserve the right to seek the maximum amount of damages allowable by law and an injunction prohibiting you from continued use of our patented technology without a license'."

The Chronicle also quotes Berman as saying the e-learning community is, "just starting to incorporate online-learning technology into their curriculum" and, "We are offering them an opportunity now to license our technology at reasonable introductory rates. That offer won't last forever."

they remind me of used car sales people.

this offer wont last forever. expires next week!

then next week...... "offer expires in 2 weeks! dont delay"

i wouldnt be at all suprised if when one does contact them to discuss licenses if they say things like "well i'm going to need to talk to the board about your offer and see what they have to say"

i think they took negotiations from that "why are these people smiling?" guy who advertises in the american way magazine.



Last edited by Hooper at Oct 24 2003, 06:44 PM

Send the info to the mainstream media.

Lawyers trying to get rich quick off porn companies and colleges. Looks like front page to me.

LOL after the court descision it will be a "Going out of business sale"
anyone want a slightly used grey suit with a nice leather briefcase?

spaz

Acacia goes after Little Sisters of the Poor and Ethiopean Orphans! Next on Geraldo!