Runway Finder Shutting Down

[MartySantic]

Does anyone have a contact at Google Maps? They may be interested as the patent says it may be applicable not only to aviation but also road/street mapping. And I believe Google's API's were being used.

[tmillican]

As a latecomer, I read this thread Friday night, and as I was thinking about it yesterday, I remembered the comment:

Originally Posted by Jamie

Software patents should be illegal (as they are in Europe). Plain and simple.

So I was glad to see this post:

Originally Posted by islandmonkey

In order to fill the gap, I would be willing to discuss hosting a similar site to Runway Finder from Switzerland or Germany until such time as these idiots get the message.

[Phil]

I think software can and should be patented because there are legitimate inventions that add unique and measureable value. To say inventions can't occur in the software industry is nonsense.

However claiming that you're uniquely using someone's API's as an invention shouldn't and that's what FP has done.

[MartySantic]

The social media is just crucifying FlightPrep. Also visited the AOPA forums for the first time today. It is apparent, FlightPrep is losing many, many present and future customers.

http://forums.aopa.org/showthread.php?t=70161&page=1

[eric_marsh]

I've been in the software industry since about 1984 and am completely opposed to software patents. I think that they are ruining my industry.

[kevinh]

Originally Posted by eric_marsh

I've been in the software industry since about 1984 and am completely opposed to software patents. I think that they are ruining my industry.

Same timeframe, same background and seven patents to my name. I totally agree with you.

[ChiefPilot]

Originally Posted by eric_marsh

I've been in the software industry since about 1984 and am completely opposed to software patents. I think that they are ruining my industry.

Like Kevin, same timeframe and similar achievements. Like Kevin, I completely agree with you

[rubber314chicken]

http://www.google.com/patents/about?...J&dq=7,640,098

It appears at though FlightPrep modified the patent, and canceled the first 17 claims?

But looking at the patent now, it appears as though now runwayfinder could have a downloadable computer program and be in the clear?

[MartySantic]

Originally Posted by rubber314chicken

http://www.google.com/patents/about?...J&dq=7,640,098

It appears at though FlightPrep modified the patent, and canceled the first 17 claims?

But looking at the patent now, it appears as though now runwayfinder could have a downloadable computer program and be in the clear?

It appears FlightPrep is attempting to modify their original patent as what you have listed is a patent application and not a granted patent???

[rubber314chicken]

Originally Posted by MartySantic

It appears FlightPrep is attempting to modify their original patent as what you have listed is a patent application and not a granted patent???

Oh weird, because that is the only thing I could find under the patent number that funway finder had on its blog.