| I totally understand Jon's point. I think the protection of technology investment argument is extremely weak on this one. Everybody who ever created a pc flight planner made a big investment. This is more about change of venue.
If indoor plumbing had happened in 1980 I suppose you could get a patent on toilet paper that worked indoors if you were the first one to do the research. Even if the courts allowed it wouldn't you feel a little conscience about charging other people for your "invention".
If this ruling stand basically any program you've seen on a pc could be patentable the first time it appears on the net. On Dec 16, 2010, at 8:34 PM, paul miller wrote: I'm not sure I understand your argument Jon. FlightPrep has a patent. Stenbock & Everson probably spent a lot on the technology or at least was first to file. Someone delivers a low cost equivalent without a license. A dispute arises. It happens every day. Technology needs to be protected just like all other inventions. If you disagree, you have to go to court or get a license or do something else. I cannot duplicate Jepp's plates nor AOPA's articles. I can't copy ASA's flight training programs nor FlighPrep's data. Every one of those companies no doubt has sent nastygrams claiming infringement to protect their investment and source of revenue yet they flourish and continue to be supported. I don't understand the retaliation issue you have with S&E except perhaps the publicity over using brute force against an individual. Copy some Jepp plates without permission and this story pales in comparison.
Paul Legacy N357V On 2010-12-16, at 12:01 PM, Jon Socolof wrote: Is anyone else disturbed by the activities of FlightPrep against Runwayfinder.com, a little free online flight planner? They also went after Jepp/AOPA and other flight planners. The Van’s community is following pretty closely. I for one, will never purchase from any Stenbock and Everson company including Flightprep, ASA, etc. I hope the Lancair community will support the Van’s community in this one. Jon Legacy N332E
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