[OT] The linked list is patented in the U.S. and not by Knuth

[Scott Elcomb]

If this was discussed back in '06, my apologies.

>From the article:
The patent abstract says, ”A computerized list is provided with
auxiliary pointers for traversing the list in different sequences. One
or more auxiliary pointers enable a fast, sequential traversal of the
list with a minimum of computational time. Such lists may be used in
any application where lists may be reordered for various purposes.”
<http://juixe.com/techknow/index.php/2010/03/04/us-patent-linked-list>

Patent as listed on google:
<http://www.google.com/patents?id=Szh4AAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4#v=onepage&q=&f=false>

I've recently been reading some of the CIPO guidance on software
patents in Canada[1] and with the "intellectual property" treaties
being pursued by the government (ACTA[2], CETA[3]), I'm starting to
wonder how long before sharing even the simplest programs will require
a licensing budget & lawyers.

[1] <http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cipointernet-internetopic.nsf/eng/h_wr02208.html>
[2] <http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/fo/intellect_property.aspx>
[3] <http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/eu-ue/can-eu-report-intro-can-ue-rapport-intro.aspx>

-- 
  Scott Elcomb
  http://www.psema4.com/   @psema4

  Member of the Pirate Party of Canada
  http://www.pirateparty.ca/
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