🚀 go-pugleaf

Andy Freeman writes:
>Michael Mauldin writes:
>>    o the general notion of using C = M^E mod pq

>I believe that the patent covers the use of this equation for
>a specific purpose.  Patents protect applications of phenomena,
>not the phenomena.  The patent doesn't cover other uses of this
>equation.

>ps - The "pencil and paper" rule is bogus.  Copiers are patentable.

  Specific copier technology is sometimes patentable.  The idea of
a copier is not.  The use of reflected light in a copier is not
patentable.  Etc.  You get the idea, I hope.

  Whether or not this rather ridiculous patent holds up in court, you
may be sure that lots of people (myself included) are already using

       o the general notion of using C = M^E mod pq

for our intellectual amusement, as well as occasional protection
of data, for signatures, or whatever.

-- 
  Robert Bickford                 {hplabs, ucbvax, lll-lcc, ptsfa}!well!rab
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| Don't Blame Me: I Voted Libertarian | Ron Paul: Libertarian for President |
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