(via @wobster)
A dev had a go at implementing a Shazam-like application in Java for academic purposes and intended to release it as open source. The code was written over a weekend, by himself, using known algorithms and hashing techniques.
He has now been approached by the patent owners of Shazam’s technology with requests to take down the blog posts he wrote about his side-project, and to never release the code or descriptions of how it works.
As owners of the patents, they are obliged to pursue any potential cases of infringement or they’ll lose their claim to them. But what this guy has done is use generic descriptions and well known techniques to develop his implementation.
I feel somewhat conflicted about this matter. I understand why the patent holders need to do this, but how far do they have to go? Is there a point where they can drop it without losing claims to their patents?
It’d be interesting to see what comes of this, but I hope it doesn’t involve this guy getting pillaged for everything he’s worth.
