CDR: Re: New OLD cryptograph patent for NSA

Sampo A Syreeni wrote:

On Wed, 11 Oct 2000, Bo Elkjaer wrote:

...

Note that the patent-application was filed in 1936. Obviously they were interested in keeping any info relating to the invention confidential. But theres no need for that anymore, given that the technology in the patent is completely obsolete by now.

So... How do you defend such a patent? How does this sort of thing mesh with the idea of patents as a reward for disclosure?

The inventor worked for the NSA (or, rather NSA's predecessors) and the inventions were classified "for national security". In other words, it's for the chiiiildren. -- Steve Furlong, Computer Condottiere Have GNU, will travel 518-374-4720 sfurlong@acmenet.net