[onion2k]

The patent expressly states a "notification system". I'd question whether that covers a bi-directional communication platform like SMS messaging. A notification system should be in one direction only - sending notifications to a user and nothing more (like a pager). The fact that you can use SMSs to notify people is irrelevant. You can use any communication system to notify people. A patent that claimed innovation on "telling people changes in quantity regardless of how they're communicated" would be far too broad to get approval.

[zaroth]

Except that reading the claims... it really is that broad. Stupid Patent of the Month is going far too easy on this one.

The patent is rooted in a provisional dated 2003. Even in 1953 it would be a stretch to call this novel. Filing a patent like this should be considered defrauding the patent office and should carry criminal penalties.

[hobarrera]

> Filing a patent like this should be considered defrauding the patent office and should carry criminal penalties.

I couldn't agree more. I wonder if this doesn't fall into any existing criminal charge already.