Post Issue Peer-to-Patent Information that this Process was Public Knowledge or Publicy used Prior to June 12, 1997

System and method for iconic software environment management

Cygnus Systems, Inc., the holder of the '850 patent, has asserted the patent in litigation against Google, Microsoft and Apple alleging their use of document preview icons - thumbnails - in their operating systems and browsers. If successful in this action, this patent may be asserted against other operating systems and browsers. The '850 patent claims continuation from a patent application filed June 12, 1998.

WHAT'S NEEDED: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Prior Art

Information that this Process was Public Knowledge or Publicy used Prior to June 12, 1997

February 4th, 2009

This patent application was filed on June 8, 2001 but claims continuation from a patent application filed June 12, 1998, resulting in an earliest date of invention of June 12, 1997. While it is possible that the invention did not occur until after June 12, 1997, finding relevant prior art before that date assures it application. Such prior art may include processes embodying the invention that were in the public domain or publicly used by the patent holder, an inventor, or any third party prior to June 12, 1997.