Their 'patent' basically describes a specialized TCP proxy that controls access to the Internet from the user's computer. Because my network doesn't use such a proxy (it provides a direct connection to the Internet), there's no possible way that it could infringe. However, for those of you who run 'captive portals', it's not inconceivable that they might be covered by this patent.
One important thing to note, though: This patent was filed on January 15, 1999, and awarded on May 1, 2001. Therefore, there is almost certain to be *lots* of prior art covering this.
It turns out that this company - Acacia Research - has been buying up lots of patents, and does business by trying to shake down several (mostly small) companies that it clams is 'infringing' upon them. For more information, see <http://www.fightthepatent.com/> and <http://www.paidcontent.org/pc/arch/cat_acacia.shtml> (search for "<http://tinyurl.com/5ho2g>6,226,677").
In response, I'm going to be sending "Acacia Research" a strongly worded letter, telling them basically to FOAD.
**Finally, a warning to any other parasites out there who may be reading this: I have been involved in Internet-related research for more than 20 years. Believe me, you *do not* want to get into a fight with me over 'prior art'. Don't even think about it!**
Ross Finlayson LIVE.COM <http://www.live.com/>
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