RE: a what if...

> Um, I'm pretty sure that "extensions" are the same as "plugins".
> Code in a
> different file, loaded at runtime, and run at the request of a hypermedia
> document.  Covered by the patent, I think.

To highlight my previous post (emphasis added):

> > Hmm, not if the browser was built with an extendable/open framework. It
[the browser]
> > could then be *recompiled* with a new extension built using that
> framework and
> > abiding by the open API.

Would it really be covered by the patent if the extension was
*compiled/patched* into the browser? i.e., the browser was recompiled to
include the patch? e.g., sample workflow:

1. I go on a site that uses Flash 14.0.
2. I am informed that my browser does not support Flash 14.0 and given a
link to download the extension.
3. After downloading the extension, IE automatically *recompiles* its
executable, including the Flash 14.0 patch/extension
4. IE restarts itself, now with the extension as part of its binary and
displays the page

Aral
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Received on Thursday, 4 September 2003 23:59:03 UTC