OT: Another patent application

[Kenneth Brody]

Another "you've got to be kidding" entry into the field of software patents.
(Well, this one is actually just an application for a patent, but...)

<http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040230959%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040230959&RS=DN/20040230959>

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IS NOT OPERATOR 

Abstract

A system, method and computer-readable medium support the use of a single
operator that allows a comparison of two variables to determine if the two
variables point to the same location in memory.

[...]

What is claimed: 

1. A system for determining if two operands point to different locations
in memory, the system comprising: a compiler for receiving source code and
generating executable code from the source code, the source code comprising
an expression comprising an operator associated with a first operand and a
second operand, the expression evaluating to true when the first operand
and the second operand point to different memory locations.

[...]

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Yup...  Microsoft is trying to patent the BASIC equivalent of C's

    if ( &x != &y )

Note that BASIC already has an IS operator.  The "invention" is the
returning of the opposite boolean value using a new ISNOT operator.

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| Kenneth J. Brody        | www.hvcomputer.com |                             |
| kenbrody/at\spamcop.net | www.fptech.com     | #include <std_disclaimer.h> |
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Don't e-mail me at: <mailto:ThisIsASpamTrap at gmail.com>