In fairness, it's amazing what the USA will grant a patent for. They do have a tendency to grant liberally, then dilute or invalidate after an application for re-examination or a challenge for invalidity in court. Until then they can be a pain and cause uncertainty, however.
On the other hand, I'd hope that students exercising their choice of course might make this practice unviable anyway.
Cheers,
Jason
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-----Original Message-----
From: Open Educational Resources [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of J.A.Corneli
Sent: 11 June 2012 01:52
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Patent to protect book copyright
«The idea is simple. As part of a course, students will have to participate in a web-based discussion board, an activity which counts towards their final grade. To gain access to the board students need a special code, which they get by buying the associated textbook.»
Amazing what they will award a patent for these days.
________________________________________
From: Pat Lockley [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 1:11 AM
Subject: Patent to protect book copyright
http://torrentfreak.com/anti-piracy-patent-prevents-students-from-sharing-books-120610/
This might be of interest re openness, open access and sharing resources.
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