Abstract
An electronic marketplace for used digital objects is disclosed. Digital objects including e-books, audio, video, computer applications, etc., purchased from an original vendor by a user are stored in a user's personalized data store. Content in a personalized data store may be accessible to the user via transfer such as moving, streaming, or download. When the user no longer desires to retain the right to access the now-used digital content, the user may move the used digital content to another user's personalized data store when permissible and the used digital content is deleted from the originating user's personalized data store. When a digital object exceeds a threshold number of moves or downloads, the ability to move may be deemed impermissible and suspended or terminated. Additionally or alternatively, a collection of objects may be assembled from individual digital objects stored in the personalized data stores of different users, and moved to a user's personalized data store.
So...what's that mean? It's a patent on reselling 'used' digital goods. OMG HOW INNOVATIVE AND ORIGINAL! No one ever though of selling used goods before, so patenting selling electronic 'used' goods makes perfect sense!
I did scan the patent claims, and it does go into some detail but is vague and broad at the same time especially in the conclusions. I know we know the patent system is stupid, especially software 'idea' patents, so this is just another example, but it's so straightforward to understand why it's stupid it might catch more notice amongst the common folks.
Patent holder? Amazon - linkage