How do I find out if a mathematical algorithm is copyrighted?
And I'm not referring to cryptography or security related mathematics, just trying to discern what's considered intellectual property and all.
Ugh, I hate that shit. I'm going to copyright all Mersenne primes. Buster, you should copyright b-trees and we'll make millions ;)
I think you're barking up the wrong tree. It doesn't make sense for an algorithm to be 'copyrighted'. A *publication* of an algorithm can be copyrighted because it is a physical thing that can be copied (or forbidden from copying). A particular implementation of an algorithm can also be copyrighted for the same reason. A raw algorithm, however, is abstract and has no real physical manifestation.
If you're wondering if there are restrictions on your use of an algorithm then I think you may need to look into patents (awarded or pending).
So.. I can copyright my code and patent (or keep secret) the algorithm implemented by my code.
As for finding out if something is encumbered by patents: http://www.uspto.gov/
If an algorithm is a solution to a problem, then I believe it's the *solution* that can be patented. It's not the arithmetic, but the intellectual effort.
I can copyright my code and patent (or keep secret) the algorithm implemented by my code.
If an algorithm is a solution to a problem, then I believe it's the *solution* that can be patented. It's not the arithmetic, but the intellectual effort.
Edit: have a look at this page. Specifically this section:
Abstract ideas and mental conceptions are not patentable. Discoveries of scientific principles, laws of nature, and natural phenomena are not patentable (although applications of such discoveries are). Mathematical algorithms that have not been reduced to some type of practical application have been held to be unpatentable. However, a claim to a system or method that recites a mathematical algorithm and produces "a useful, concrete and tangible result" may be patentable. State Street Bank & Trust Co. v. Signature Financial Group, 149 F3d 1368 (Fed Cir 1998), cert. denied, 525 US 1093 (1999). The software process involved in the State Street Bank case was used by a computer system to recompute the share prices of a pool of mutual funds after each day's trading activities ended, taking into account the day's gains and losses and expenses attributable to each mutual fund. The final share prices were the "useful, concrete, and tangible result."
What's a mentod?
"mentod" isn't a thing, it's a past-tense passive verb. It describes an action acted upon a person which results in them doing stupid things under the guise of "thinking outside the box", and grinning like an idiot on smack and popping candy into their mouth. (See commercials for "Mentos" for video reference).
(American vernacular spelling leaves out the traditional 'e'; see also: mentoed)
Used thusly:
"What's with that idiot?"
"He's been mentod"
StephTheGeek wrote:What's a mentod?"mentod" isn't a thing, it's a past-tense passive verb. It describes an action acted upon a person which results in them doing stupid things under the guise of "thinking outside the box", and grinning like an idiot on smack and popping candy into their mouth. (See commercials for "Mentos" for video reference).
(American vernacular spelling leaves out the traditional 'e'; see also: mentoed)Used thusly:
"What's with that idiot?"
"He's been mentod"
Hmmm..... a Balderdash-esque game thread?
Joined: 2006-05-20