Patents:How to legally screw people over.

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Here’s why the cost to legally send web URLs in text messages is $750,000 | ZAGGblog

One such patent covers the sending of web URLs in SMS messages. Helferich obtained that particular patent in September 1997. He offers infringing companies a one-time settlement for licensing: $750 grand. Companies like Apple, The Walt Disney Company, McDonalds and more than 100 others have already settled.

Looking over the list of patents he holds, it’s no wonder he’s making a killing some 15 years later. “Systems and methods for delivering information to a communication device.” You did that when you loaded this web page to read this post. If you store your data in the cloud, this next one pertains to you: “Systems and methods for enabling a user of a communication device to manage remote information.” I particularly like this next one: “User interface for voice message access.” How much do you think Apple paid HPL to license this patent for the iPhone’s Visual Voicemail feature?

It seems that the NYT has run afoul of this company: New York Times tangles with patent trolls — paidContent