Re: 1-Click, Short-Click, Long-Click, More-Clicks (New Microsoft Patent)

[John W. Eaton]

Barry Margolin <barmar@alum.mit.edu> writes:

> The patent is very specific that it *only* applies to using the click 
> timing to vary the way an application is opened.  It says nothing about 
> alternate actions within an application, nor about shutting down an 
> application or computer.

But shouldn't a patent application that only introduces some minor
incremental difference from some previous technology (i.e., the broader 
sense of what action is performed based on the timings of the button
pushes, or whether the button is physical or simulated on a computer
screen, etc.) be rejected anyway, based on the idea that they would be
obvious to competent practitioners in the field? 

jwe

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