USPTO frowns on dynamic web patents

The USPTO has upheld the Public Patent Foundation's requests for a formal review of the 'dynamic web' patents owned by EpicRealm, which have been used as the basis for infringement proceedings against tens of companies. PUBPAT put forward bodies of prior art that the USPTO had not previously been aware of when the patents were initially granted in an attempt to invalidate the patents. If the prior art is found to invalidate the patents they will be revoked and EpicRealm will find it difficult to sustain related lawsuits - tough times for a company that thrives solely on its patent portfolio. ...more

Servoy bids for database market

Servoy R2 is a new database development suite which, it claims, offers a powerful alternative to FileMaker and 4D, and can extend right up to enterprise-level mainframe use. Dutch developer Servoy said its product is the first to make it possible to develop quick data-entry systems on desktop machines which can then be deployed on the highest level of corporate server for cross-platform use, without any re-coding. According to Servoy CEO, Jan Aleman, Servoy R2 can connect to multiple data sources simultaneously, and work with all major databases including MySQL, SyBase, Oracle, Informix, IBM DB/2 and more, on any platform. ...more

Russian protection racket raided by Hi-Tech Crime Unit

Three Russian men have been detained in connection with extortion and money-laundering offences that threatened online bookmakers in the UK with denial of service attacks unless they paid an annual fee. The men, aged 21, 23 and 24, were nabbed in a series of raids across St Petersburg and in the Saratov and Stavropol areas of southwest Russia in a joint operation between the UK's National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU), and specialist divisions of Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs. One has been arrested, while two are being questioned. ...more

HSE warns against PC mag advice

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned against advice given by some computer magazines on upgrading practices. In particular, it's concerns lay with advice on how to rid yourself of static electricity before installing new components. It had found some magazines advised their readers to plug the computer in to the mains, switch off the power supply at the mains, and earth themselves to the computer chassis using a conductive wrist strap. ...more

Qrio and Aibo to be culled

Sony's robotic dog Aibo is to be put down after seven years of loyal service. Along with the humanoid robot Qrio, the Aibo cull marks the end of Sony's robot endeavours as restructuring changes driven by new CEO Howard Stringer get underway. The technologies developed within the artificial intelligence divisions will be deployed elsewhere for consumer electronic product development. ...more