Skype and Jingle Networks, operator of a free 411 service, are working together – U.S. Skype users will have access to Jingle for 411 calls. Users can also add “Free411USA” to their Skype friends list. Users must be on Skype 3.5 for Window.
This news comes very quickly after Jingle announced a patent on ad-supported 411 calls. Founder Scott Kliger said the company would be using the patent to go after competitors in the next few months – those competitors include Google and AT&T.
Personally, I find this deal a little dumb. Skype users are generally on an Internet connected device, and a web search is almost always an easier way to find information on a business v. a 411 call.
I also think Jingle’s patent borders on the absurd and highlights many of the problems with our U.S. Patent system. If taking a paid service, pairing it with an advertisement and then distributing it for free is patentable, then we’re in real trouble. Jingle was the good guy when they were trying to make 411 calls cheaper for consumers. Now, they want a piece of the action every time another company tries the same thing. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Yeah, search is a better option for most Internet users than 411. But the web is also made of people who are not nerdish enough & dont quite use search as an option for finding information!
I agree with your comments on this ridiculous patent. Reminds me of your post a couple of days ago about local.com grabbing patents for different local search parameters where you mentioned this same patent that free411 has.
Once again, the only people who really win here are the lawyers who get extra work from the new lawsuits. While I have nothing against lawyers, I think a more conservative approach on patents would better enhance our entrepreneurial atmosphere.
“If taking a paid service, pairing it with an advertisement and then distributing it for free is patentable, then we’re in real trouble”
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Totally agree…but Jingle is not the only one here, Google (the one that Jingle is going after) has patent along the same lines for ads on wi-fi portal pages.
http://arstechn...60324-6455.html
and it was approved by USPTO
http://appft1.u...;RS=20060059044
The fundamental process behind these 2 patents are the same, ad supported calls and ad supported data delivery.
You are absolutely right about U.S. Patent system. However, the fact, that Jingle has learnt to exploit weakness of patent system and intends to take full advantage of it, does not make Jingle bad guy. If you were investor in Jingle, you would expect them to act in your best interests, not the other way around. Your judgement sounds a bit hypocritical.
Michael,
There’s got to be more to the patent than just the fact that it’s a free ad-supported information service. I tried to do a search on Google Patents, but I couldn’t find it. If anyone can find the patent, please post the link as I would like to read more about it.
No, not being hypocritical. I think if they got the patent for defensive reasons, fine. But to go on the attack seems to be hypocritical of them, actually. We’ll see how the litigation goes. But I’m no longer a user.
Agreed on the questionable intent of the patent.
Has anyone else had bad experiences with their service? On two separate occasions (calling for two different companies), they put me through to a fax line. Thanks for hurting my ears, Jingle.
But I would never use 411 if I was on my computer…totally pointless, IMHO.
This is nice post. I totally agree with your thoughts of patents.
Heeey man .. this patent is really not gud ….. If it was some algorithm or som invention – then it is fine ….. Just thinking of a business logic and patenting is really Absurd !!!! …… Just think if TECHCRUCH says ” Web product review” is patented and no one should do this !!!!……
…… Jingle’s patent also sounds the same …. I really don kno wat these people registering patents are looking into ?????
…
This move by Skype could be a sign that it is expanding in the mobile VOIP market.
On a computer based VOIP, users can use google to find business listings faster than 411.
However, users on a 3G cellphone will most likely find it easier to call Jingle through Skype, by simply clicking on a button, then using a a web browser, which are generally not easy to use on mobile phones.
@beatbox: you can find the patent at uspto.gov – just pick up the patent # from the earlier TC post. I read it and as Michael said, it is rather absurb. Basically, the patent defines a “process” where a call comes in and a smart system is used to choose the best ad to serve based on geo-location etc.
@Michael: I love your comment, “If taking a paid service, pairing it with an advertisement and then distributing it for free is patentable, then we’re in real trouble”. I am about to patent free pay-per-click search and I will just charge for a quick pop up ad. Google beware!
Very true, but…if you allow me to be the devil’s advocate for a moment, we got ourselves in this mess to begin with. A patent began with being a competitive advantage to a tool to prevent your hind from being fried by the likes of MSFT/IBM to now a way to increase your valuation!
@Rishi: why not just call the number directly from your cell? Wouldn’t that be faster than loading up Skype and then pressing the button?
Well, they are playing the game the way the game is played. If they did not get a patent, someone else would have and would now be coming after them.
It’s hard to take some patent moral highground when it means someone else will likely smush you later.
Until the whole patent thing is tossed or fixed, companies like Jingle have no choice but to play the game this way.
Free 411 with Skype when U R on the web, I might use it for cross reference.
Do 411 operators have more updated info than it is on the web (superpages.com, google local, yp.yahoo.com)
Vijay
@11…if you are a start up you probably can’t fight a patent battle with a big boy anyways. And you getting a patent, essentially puts your competitive advantage out there for them to see. Then all they have to do is change 1 tiny detail and your patent no longer applies
GOOG411 – superior information and, as of now, it’s free. Maybe Jingle’s trying to ring up a buyout talking tough about a patent. Goog has to monetize these queries eventually, no?
While I haven’t used the service in months, when I did use Free411 the ads were utterly useless. Does that say more about its ad inventory or the “value” of its patented algorithm? And as Wally #6 mentioned, my local Cosi lost a lot of my money because Jingle always connected me to the joint’s fax line.
yeah not big news ;
just brings to light – the ridiculous patent they got.
“The human body is a magazine of inventions, the patent office, where are the models from which every hint is taken. All the tools and engines on earth are only extensions of its limbs and senses. “
The Jingle patent is very similar to Overture’s patent, which Google paid millions in royalties for before they went public. Overture’s patent had to do with matching advertisements with search queries. Jingle’s patent is analogous, and it has to do with matching ads with directory assistance queries. Companies can still play ads in DA services, but if they play ads that are targeted to the search query, then they are supposedly in violation of Jingle’s patent. It would be fine to play “sponsorship” ads that have nothing to do with a specific DA query, but as soon as the ads are targeted based on the query, the patent is enforceable.
Re the Skype announcement, I agree w/ Rishi…if Skype mobile handsets become popular, then this partnership makes sense. Otherwise, it’s definitely easier to use a web lookup when tied to a computer.
Sure that keyword based searches are more efficient but maybe Skyke wants to change that paradigm toward voice based services.
Does everyone miss that this is about MONEY?
Jingle has built an advertiser supported system that places the value on every call.
Skype has a growing base of users. some of which will use a service that makes it easier to connect.
Look, DA is about a $9 BILLION business in the US because people WANT and NEED information.
Jingle, GOOG411, TellMe and others are chopping away at that, and it will be funded by advertising.
Don’t like ads? Pay $1.50 and use 411.
Did you see the new Skype Beta 3.5 released today ?? The joined the online-video craze… check out the profiles.
@SS : I guess that you could call Jingle direct.
I was assuming when I said that, that Skype had some sort of exclusive contract with Jingle that reduced the wait time or provided some other advantage to the end user that would make them want to use Skype rather than their regular phone line.
It shouldn’t matter if they are matching ads to queries or not; that “idea” shouldn’t be patentable. One company could very well create a service that would match ads more accurately, but be held back because they are violating some lame patent.
Just another case of those who can innovate and those who can’t litigate.
I agree that this doesn’t make sense on a laptop or a desktop computer. However, it makes sense in the phone form-factor environments such as Skype cordless phones, wifi phones, etc. This is where skype is desperately trying to get to. See more at http://techunta...gled.com/jingle’s-1-800-free-411-service-on-skype