This page was written in 1996.
E-Data Systems is
making a splash through its aggressive enforcement of a patent they
claim covers all forms of "on-demand electronic distribution" -- using
a "system and method whereby products composed of digital data are
purchased and embedded electronically at a point of sale location from
a host computer"
[E-Data's FAQ].
As such, the E-Data patent covers the electronic distribution of
software, fonts, images, music, video, news, sheet music and other
forms of information. Here's the patent abstract:
SYSTEM FOR REPRODUCING INFORMATION IN A MATERIAL OBJECT
U.S. Patent No. 4,528,643
To date, E-Data has sued
over 40 companies,
although they have yet to win in court (to our knowledge). Several
companies, including Adobe, First Virtual, IBM and VocalTec have
settled with E-Data, presumably through licensing.
E-Data is targeting "companies engaged in the following activities
may be legally determined to be contributory infringers:
AT A POINT OF SALE LOCATION
The present invention contemplates a system for reproducing
information in material objects at a point of sale location wherein
the information to be reproduced is provided at the point of sale
location from a location remote with respect to the point of sale
location, an owner authorization code is provided to the point of sale
location in reponse to receiving a request code from the point of sale
location requesting to reproducing predetermined information in a
material object, and the predetermined information is reproduced in a
material object at the point of sale location in response to receiving
the owner authorization code.
[Full text of
patent]
In a truly magnanimous gesture, E-Data is offering an "Amensty Program" from June 1, 1996 through August 31, 1996. During this period, "low cost sliding scale licensing plans are available. Additionally, [E-Data] will forgive potential past infringement damages for new licenses."
A brief history of E-Data's activities can be found in their own press releases.