[WLANnews] EFF: Help Us Protect Mesh Networking From Overbroad Patents

[Hirschgott]

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/06/mesh-networking-good-overbroad-patents-bad

We have identified several patent applications that we believe
particularly threaten the free development of mesh networking
technology. There is a danger that these patents, if granted, will lock
up the basic mesh network infrastructure and restrict advancement of and
access to the technology.

We have been using the Patent Office’s new Preissuance Submissions
procedure, which gives third parties an opportunity to tell patent
examiners when they think a patent application shouldn't be granted. The
procedure requires those third parties to submit publications predating
the application that prove the ideas in the patent were not novel.

Which is why we need your help. We are again partnering with Ask Patents
so you can help us identify the best prior art to reign in these
applications. While prior art for issued patents must date back many
years, these are recently filed applications for which relatively recent
publications may be helpful. Look at each “Request for Prior Art” we
post to learn the exact priority date.

Working together we can protect the mesh networking community from
overbroad, illegitimate patents that threaten to stifle innovation and
access to technologies that preserve personal freedoms.