RE: [boost] Re: Microsoft XML serialization patent

From: Hurd, Matthew (hurdm_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-02-06 19:04:04

> Jonathan Turkanis wrote:
> > Robert Ramey wrote:
> >> I just came upon an incredible thing.
> >>
> >> It seems that microsoft has filed a U.S. Patent Application for XML
> >> serialization.   I'm sort of dumbfounded at this.   Truth be told
> >> I've seen
> >> a lot of even more ridiculous patents but somehow this strikes
closer
> >> to home.  I'm really at a loss to appreciate the ramifcations of
this
> >> - if any.

It's hard to take it seriously ;-)  

<quote>
[0019] The serialized data of an object may be thought of as a
"dehydrated object" where all of the water (object functions in this
metaphor) has been squeezed out of the object. This leaves only dry
potato flakes (the data). Later, a hungry person wishes to have mashed
potatoes (the object with the data), the potato flakes may be
rehydrated. To "add water" to a dehydrated object, an empty object is
created and the stored data is inserted therein.
</quote>

Especially as you go down the patent and read the silliness and
contextual incoherence ( ;-) ) of the ever broadening clauses.

Just highlights the failing of the patent system rather than having any
consequence for boost I'd think.

Matt.
matthurd_at_[hidden]

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