Re: E-commerce patented?

Subject: Re: Re: E-commerce patented?

Comments:
: : I have a friend who owns a very small after-market battery business. He has been displaying his wares on the internet and allowing customers to purchase them via credit card online. Recently, he had a suit patent infringement suit filed against him for : : a) showing pictures of his products online, and : : b) allowing end-users to make credit card transactions to purchase the products online. : : They wanted $5000 to settle. Apparently they sued at least 40 other small companies. I guess they did their research and determined these were companies that were likely to settle. : : My question: Is this legit? Can someone really have an enforcible patent on these ubiquitous technologies? He is probably going to settle, since in his mind there's no way he can afford to fight it. Will he now be not only on the list of companies that may settle, but also on the list of companies that DO settle? What are his alternatives? : Dear Brian, : My guess is that he was sued for Copyright infringement for displaying copyrighted pictures of the product without permission. : The credit card bit is not clear. If he was legitimately signed up to offer credit card transations, it is not clear what the wrong could be. : M. Arthur Auslander : Auslander & Thomas-Intellectual Property Law Since 1909 : 505 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 : 212-594-6900, fax 212-244-0028, aus@auslander.com : ELAINE's Workshop® : E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive™ : Reality Check® :

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

Do not disclose any details of any patent idea. See a lawyer.
Before you post a message you must agree to the Terms of Use.