[Geowanking] Re: Quova patent IP geolocation methods

[Nigel Wetters]

>>> David Cantrell <david at cantrell.org.uk> 01/29/04 4:38 PM >>>
> It doesn't say when they applied for it.  The work I did while at the 
> BBC, and later on my own, might count as prior art, but was never
published.

It was filed on 3 April 2001. Were you working on IP geolocation before
this?

> I don't speak lawyerese.

Nor do I, so my opinions aren't particularly worthwhile. However, the
press release from Quova is pretty scary:

'[the patent] validates 135 specific claims, including many algorithms,
processes and system components that are unique to Quova's approach and
some core ideas that are central to the concept of IP geolocation.'

The patent itself certainly mentions whois records and Claim 1 of the
patent seems to cover a wide area. Is there any place I can get free
legal advice on this, or is that unrealistic?

--nigel