It seems that you're using an outdated browser. Some things may not work as they should (or don't work at all).
We suggest you upgrade newer and better browser like: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera

×
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2415237,00.asp

http://www.wired.com/business/2013/02/amazon-used-e-book-patent/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/amazon-patents-resale-marketplace-for-used-e-books-songs-and-other-digital-goods/2013/02/06/22f7d12e-70a0-11e2-a050-b83a7b35c4b5_story.html

The patent is describes an “electronic marketplace for used digital objects.”

It will likely focus on e-books at first, but a secondhand marketplace for other digital goods such as music, videos, apps, and possibly games may be in the (distant) future.

The actual patent is here

Abstract:

An electronic marketplace for used digital objects is disclosed. Digital objects including e-books, audio, video, computer applications, etc., purchased from an original vendor by a user are stored in a user's personalized data store. Content in a personalized data store may be accessible to the user via transfer such as moving, streaming, or download. When the user no longer desires to retain the right to access the now-used digital content, the user may move the used digital content to another user's personalized data store when permissible and the used digital content is deleted from the originating user's personalized data store. When a digital object exceeds a threshold number of moves or downloads, the ability to move may be deemed impermissible and suspended or terminated. Additionally or alternatively, a collection of objects may be assembled from individual digital objects stored in the personalized data stores of different users, and moved to a user's personalized data store.
Post edited February 09, 2013 by mondo84
Well that kinda fucks up the EU or whoever it was suing Valve over that doesn't it?
avatar
KylieM: Well that kinda fucks up the EU or whoever it was suing Valve over that doesn't it?
Not necessarily it depends if its an EU patent or a US patent. It also depends somewhat on the wording on if they are patenting the idea or the shop design itself - chances are they can patent the shop software and the design of the shop itself (in much the same way that other interfaces are protected) however I seriously doubt that they can patent the whole concept of selling used digital goods (then again Apple apparently has a patent on rectangles with rounded edges so anything is possible these days it seems ;))
avatar
overread: Not necessarily it depends if its an EU patent or a US patent. It also depends somewhat on the wording on if they are patenting the idea or the shop design itself - chances are they can patent the shop software and the design of the shop itself (in much the same way that other interfaces are protected) however I seriously doubt that they can patent the whole concept of selling used digital goods (then again Apple apparently has a patent on rectangles with rounded edges so anything is possible these days it seems ;))
Different patent offices is it? Yeah I read about that thing with Apple, I think it would be pretty hard to enforce. :D