A decentralized ordering system allows a customer to track order status from a centralized order status system by providing a single, easily remembered identifier (such as a telephone number) without having to log in and without having to specify which local system is handling the customer's order. The central system communicates with each local system to obtain order status information. The central communication function handles all login and authentication requirements on the local systems, if necessary, and reformats the order status data, if necessary, to a common format for storage at the central location. The system also may notify the customer, via telephone, text message, instant message or electronic mail, whenever the order status changes or when the order status changes to a predetermined condition (such as “out for delivery”).
I know about software patents but what’s the point when somebody can achieve the exact same functionality from the user’s perspective using totally different code. Just seems like a waste on a patent lawyer.
It’s all marketing. You likely only know that Dominos had the system patented because it slaps a big patent number right on the tracker. The fact that you’re discussing it is essentially free advertising and increases brand awareness. So, this post suggests that the investment in patent lawyers was likely worthwhile for the company.
Largely, consumers seem to derive the below listed perceptions when they recognize that a product is protected by a patent:
When a message about a product being protected by a patent is conveyed, the company as a whole is perceived to be innovative
The patented product is perceived to be superior
The patented product is perceived to be unique, as no one else can copy the patented product
It’s all marketing. You likely only know that Dominos had the system patented because it slaps a big patent number right on the tracker. The fact that you’re discussing it is essentially free advertising and increases brand awareness. So, this post suggests that the investment in patent lawyers was likely worthwhile for the company.
from https://www.invntree.com/blogs/using-patents-marketing-tool-good-bad-and-ugly
(this is not a defense of any of these practices; simply indicating what is going on here)
Fuck I fell for it… gg dominos
Marketing is just mass manipulation and propaganda with a palatable name. :(