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IP: TIME TO FIX the Patent system -- Amazon patents "affiliate programs" technology
From: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 16:55:44 -0500
Subject: Amazon patents "affiliate programs" technology To: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu> cc: Jeff.Hodges () stanford edu From: Jeff.Hodges () stanford edu http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1007-200-1558650.html?tag=st.ne.1002.thed.1007-200- 1558650 credit: blurb seen on http://slashdot.org/ this morn. JeffH ----- Amazon patents affiliate programs technology By The Associated Press Special to CNET News.com February 25, 2000, 5:00 p.m. PT SEATTLE--In a move that could shake up e-commerce, Internet retailer Amazon.com has patented a technology that lets other Web sites send it customers in exchange for a commission. These "affiliate programs" are commonly used by many sites, including Amazon competitors, to enhance sales. Amazon's possession of a patent on the technology could allow the company to prohibit others from using it, or Amazon could charge them a fee if they want to use it. "If they choose to enforce this, it may radically impact aspects of emerging technology for Web shopping," Rob Labatt, an analyst at the research firm Gartner Group, said Friday. "The $64,000 question is whether they'll enforce it." Amazon wouldn't say today what plans it has for the new patent. . . . .
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- IP: TIME TO FIX the Patent system -- Amazon patents "affiliate programs" technology Dave Farber (Feb 26)