Comic Transcript
VIKTOR SCHRECK: We have a problem.
THE BOSS: Since you are due in court today, I assume you have discovered the validity of our patent is in question.
VIKTOR SCHRECK: Oh, no. Our patent is valid, and the defendant is definitely liable. In fact, our case would be 100% airtight if it weren’t for an… unexpected roadblock concerning the presentation of evidence.
THE BOSS: What do you mean?
VIKTOR SCHRECK: Normally I would say to the judge “I would like to present to you Exhibit A” and hand him a copy of the patent, but very recently one of our competitors managed to patent the display of patents.
THE BOSS: Competitor? Which competitor?
VIKTOR SCHRECK: Google.
THE BOSS: Curse you, Google!
VIKTOR SCHRECK: I suppose licensing their patent is out of the question.
THE BOSS: I will never give Google that satisfaction! Find another way to win the case.
NARRATOR: LATER THAT DAY
VIKTOR SCHRECK: Your Honor, I will now explain our patent through interpretive dance.
I should note at this point that Google didn’t actually patent the process of displaying a patent, though a news article on Slashdot appears to suggest otherwise. They have, however, registered a design patent for a web application that displays patents. Essentially they’ve patented the design of the user interface for their patent search web application.
At least, that’s what it looks like to me, but I Am Not A Lawyer — I simply mock them on the Internet.