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Where bad software patents go to die

One more thought from the software patent front. There is hope yet that bad or obvious patents can be invalidated or withdrawn.
Written by Joe McKendrick, Contributing Writer
One more thought from the software patent front. There is hope yet that bad or obvious patents can be invalidated or withdrawn. The Bustpatents Website contains a long list of patents that were invalidated. Leading off the list was a "System and method for providing reservations for restroom use" -- held by IBM, of all people.
There are many software methods that have been disposed of, including a Remote information services access system based on a client/server model, a method and system for placing a purchase order via a communications network, a system and method for constructing dialogs for commands and templates.
Bustpatents.com provides the details on IBM's restroom patent, which was voluntarily flushed away by IBM out of embarrassment:
System and method for providing reservations for restroom use

IBM
Filed: August 14, 2000
No non-patent prior art cited.What is claimed is:
1. A method of providing reservations for restroom use, comprising: receiving a reservation request from a user; and notifying the user when the restroom is available for his or her use.
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