Hello,

 

As most of you may know im writing a social network, Ive spent alot of time on it and to then come across this "http://mashable.com/2010/02/25/facebook-news-feed-patent/"... Im building a simler application, but oviously NOT called the "News Feed"

 

Would this be still breaching the law?

Just calling it something different doesn't then make it legal. If I were you I would carry on as you were, and wait to see the fallout from other social networking sites, to see if they step backwards. Personally I highly doubt they will. It's basically just an aggregation of data, something thousands of sites around the world do

Just calling it something different doesn't then make it legal. If I were you I would carry on as you were, and wait to see the fallout from other social networking sites, to see if they step backwards. Personally I highly doubt they will. It's basically just an aggregation of data, something thousands of sites around the world do

 

So, In respect, I can build a simler application and theres nothing they can do about it legaly?

It's basically just an aggregation of data, something thousands of sites around the world do

 

It is but the patent seems to be about the technology and way that that data is presented.

@SC - there's no guarantee I guess unless you check the patent, and make sure you understand it fully. One thing is for sure, it's not going to be a massive concern for them to see your site unless it's competing with them massively (and not to sound harsh, but you're going to struggle to get anything as good as FB imo)

 

@zed - true, it all depends on how specific it all is

 

Just go for it, hope for the best. Surely your site/social network is about more than a news feed, so you can remove it I guess if the worst comes to the worst

So, In respect, I can build a simler application and theres nothing they can do about it legaly?

 

If you're so worried why are you asking for advice about patents on a Web Design forum? Talk to a Patent Lawyer.

If you're so worried why are you asking for advice about patents on a Web Design forum? Talk to a Patent Lawyer.

 

Believe it or not theirs a lot of web design people who study the legal aspects of it to I've met a few so i think that's why he maybe asked

Believe it or not theirs a lot of web design people who study the legal aspects of it to I've met a few so i think that's why he maybe asked

and you'd base a business decision on advice given on the internet? Legal aspects on web design are totally separate to Patents. Any queries regarding Patents should be forwarded onto someone who specialises in that area... a Patent lawyer.

and you'd base a business decision on advice given on the internet? Legal aspects on web design are totally separate to Patents. Any queries regarding Patents should be forwarded onto someone who specialises in that area... a Patent lawyer.

 

And, your not giving any advice thats any use to me.

And, your not giving any advice thats any use to me.

Agreed

I can see it from both perspectives really, not everyone is a business that can afford to get legal advice on these things, but that said, you need to speak with a patent lawyer or at least someone else who has to know for sure. The reason I said to wait it out is simply because once you see that say myspace or whoever are removing theirs, you know you too need to (and can guarantee that there will be plenty of insightful discussion on the web regarding the topic)

Hello,

 

As most of you may know im writing a social network, Ive spent alot of time on it and to then come across this "http://mashable.com/2010/02/25/facebook-news-feed-patent/"... Im building a simler application, but oviously NOT called the "News Feed"

 

Would this be still breaching the law?

 

I was talking to a computer expert the other day and she said, Facebook can indeed patent the technology which they have made, however since Bebo used the same thing, Facebook just changed it slightly and patented that. So if you change the 'news feed' to something similar you should be ok as it isn't directly what facebook has. Still like I stated the other day you are no where near as big, and no where near launching yet so it shouldnt affect you at all, Facebook won't sue everyone who has a social network, I know of hundreds of these which 'script-kiddies' mess around with online....you will be ok Shaun! , Take Care mate.