Google Seeks Patent for Embedding Ads in RSS Feeds

Google is claiming that it has invented a unique way to distribute online advertising via syndicated news feeds -- and it wants a patent for the technology. If granted, the patent would presumably give Google the exclusive rights for "incorporating targeted ads into information in a syndicated, e.g., RSS, presentation format in an automated manner," according to its patent application titled, "Embedding advertisements in syndicated content."

Read the article: CNET News.com (Posted: Sunday, July 31, 2005)

Personalization Patent Suit Against Amazon Dropped

In a regulatory filing, Amazon.com said Pinpoint had abandoned a patent suit it brought against Amazon in 2003. The suit alleged that Amazon and partners including Borders Group, Target, Toys "R" Us and CDNow infringed on Pinpoint patents with Amazon's personalization technology.

Read the article: CNET News.com (Posted: Sunday, July 31, 2005)

Court Issues Injunction Against Black Hat Speaker

A U.S. court ruling has barred a former Internet Security Systems employee from further disseminating research he has already disclosed on how computer hackers could undermine Internet equipment made by Cisco Systems that is vital to the operation of the Internet. The ruling by a U.S. District Court in San Francisco permanently bars former employee Michael Lynn and the Black Hat conference organization from disseminating, in any form, the presentation Lynn gave at the conference, Internet Security Systems Inc. said in a statement.

Read the article: Reuters (Posted: Sunday, July 31, 2005)

Companies Using Professional Security Penetration Testers

Corporations and other large organizations are increasingly turning to people practicing the strange craft of computer intrusion detection to assess the soundness of their security systems. No one knows how many people make their living doing what people in the industry call penetration testing, though clearly their numbers are climbing.

Read the article: The New York Times (Posted: Sunday, July 31, 2005)

Chicago's Posting of Accused "Johns" Questioned

Chicago's use of the Internet to humiliate customers of prostitutes, or "johns," has led to concerns that the practice may violate constitutional rights. At issue is Chicago's recent decision to run a Web site that posts the names and photos of people who have been arrested for soliciting a prostitute -- but not convicted.

Read the article: law.com (Posted: Sunday, July 31, 2005)