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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Making Money: Patent Pending

IBM wants to patent an idea about its patents, which is, well, patently contrary

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(Newser) – Big Blue is seeing green in a recent patent filing. IBM, which holds more patents than any company in the world and reaps more than $1 billion in royalties annually, says it wants to make it easier for small companies to license its ideas on a “floating privilege basis.” So it's seeking a patent on a method of granting access to patent portfolios, reports the AP.

Experts say IBM’s patent is for a business method, which flies in the face of the company’s own campaign to limit patent law to technology. IBM filed a “friend of the court” brief on the topic with the US Supreme Court in 2005, but says this application is different because the business method “is all only possible with technology."

Patty McHugh, director of new business development of IBM voice systems, holds her first IBM Patent Application award from the company back in 1981.
Patty McHugh, director of new business development of IBM voice systems, holds her first IBM Patent Application award from the company back in 1981.   (KRT Photos)
The IBM logo at the main campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C. is seen in this July 31, 2007 file photo. International Business Machines Corp. is expected to release quarterly earnings on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Karen Tam, file)
The IBM logo at the main campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C. is seen in this July 31, 2007 file photo. International Business Machines Corp. is expected to release quarterly earnings on Tuesday, Oct....   (Associated Press)
An IBM engineer, Brad Dillon, moves an antenna in a huge room where they test the radio frequency off the IBM Anyplace kiosk,Tuesday, July 31, 2007, on the main campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C. This test is to make sure the kiosk would not interfere with other...
An IBM engineer, Brad Dillon, moves an antenna in a huge room where they test the radio frequency off the IBM Anyplace kiosk,Tuesday, July 31, 2007, on the main campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C....   (Associated Press)
An IBM employee walks through the Retail Test Super Lab where testing of the IBM Anyplace Kiosk is taking place, Tuesday, July 31, 2007,on the main campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C. (AP Photo/Karen Tam)
An IBM employee walks through the Retail Test Super Lab where testing of the IBM Anyplace Kiosk is taking place, Tuesday, July 31, 2007,on the main campus in Research Triangle Park, N.C. (AP Photo/Karen...   (Associated Press)
(FILES) This 06 December 1999 file photo shows the IBM logo....
(FILES) This 06 December 1999 file photo shows the IBM logo....   (Getty Images)
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