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Microsoft granted patents for PageUp and PageDn keystrokes!

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mwb1100:
Right, patenting a key would be ridiculous, but the way in which the keys operate I see as a legitimate patent, just like the rolly storage bins which were advertised on TV during the late 90's were patented as a "Method of storage". Again, the title of this article misleads and does not actually indicate that it is a matter of HOW the key is utilized and not the ACTUAL key itself.
-Josh (September 10, 2008, 02:26 PM)
--- End quote ---

However, two of the attributes a patent is supposed to have are that it is:


* novel - something new (ie., no prior art)
* non-obvious - especially to a skilled practitioner in the area the patent is in
The patent as described by the news article (I admit, I have not read the actual patent itself) does not seem to come close to meeting these attributes.  Early word processors, mainframe applications and even early versions of Adobe Reader had PgUp/PgDn keys behave as described (I personally never found that behavior to be very usable anyway).

simakuutio:
Patent is useless/worthless unless challenged in court.

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