[cunac]

I don't see how this is valid patent. He just changed delivery method from mail; as described in prior art section; to more modern (SMS etc..) but he didn't invent any new process. Why change of delivery medium would be sufficient to grant patent?

[dspillett]

You might be right for how the system is supposed to judge validity, but how many patents have been successfully used and abuse that are nothing more than "<insert_old_idea_here> over the Internet"?

[genwin]

The patent clerk has about 7 hours on average to examine prior art. The clerk may not be technologically savvy.

[dtp]

Exactly. And even once the patent is granted, prior art can be re-examined in the courtroom when a lawsuit is brought. I'm not an expert or anything, but I wouldn't expect this patent to stand up in court.

[genwin]

The court is usually in Eastern Texas. Expect the unexpected there.