[Asterisk-biz] Patent lawyers?

[Michael Welter]

Brian West wrote:
> Anyone know a really good patent lawyers... Here are a list of  patents 
> we have been accused of violating: (And yes we run Asterisk +spandsp)
> 
> 5675507 - Message storage and delivery system (voicemail)
> 6208638 - Method and apparatus for transmission and retrieval of  
> facsimile and
>             audio messages over a circuit or packet switched network  
> (spandsp sending faxes via email)
> 6350066 - Systems and methods for storing, delivering, and managing  
> messages (think vmail.cgi)
> 6564321 - Systems and methods for storing, delivering, and managing  
> messages (again vmail.cgi)
> 6857074 - Systems and methods for storing, delivering, and managing  
> messages (same as the other two)
> 6597688 - Scalable architecture for transmission of messages over a  
> network (usage with spandsp)
> 
> Non-Asterisk Related:
> 6073165 -Filtering computer network messages directed to a user's e- 
> mail box based on user defined filters, and forwarding a filtered  
> message to the user's receiver
> 
> Some of these patents are just silly and could apply to ANY voicemail  
> or messaging system on the planet even email.  We face a "real" legal  
> battle with these patents in question.. putting this out here because  
> it could have an effect on anyone offering services be it voicemail  or 
> fax using Asterisk.
> 
First, who is the accuser?  Let's immediately terminate any and all 
business relationships with them.

Second, why did they pick on you, Brian?  Are you a large player?

Third, you'll either have to roll over or fight them.  Do you have the 
resources?  Legal defense fund?