Incase you need to sneak up on some patents, you have your chance next week... These guys are doing a >FREE< patent search for a week because they're testing their systems... I thought I'd pass this on to you incase you'd like to look up the finer points of crypto, the MicroSoft-Stacker patents wars, etc... Forwarded message:

From spo_patent@spo.eds.com Mon Mar 28 22:56:07 1994 Date: Mon, 28 Mar 94 21:11:48 CST From: spo_patent@spo.eds.com To: uunet!photon.poly.edu!rarachel@uunet.UU.NET Sender: spo_patent@spo.eds.com Subject: Re: patent search service Message-Id: <19940328_162456_spo14_5430> Return-Receipt-To: spo_patent@spo.eds.com

EDS-SPO ELECTRONIC MAIL PATENT SEARCH SERVICE PHASE TWO FREE TESTING PERIOD April 4-April 15, 1994

CONCEPT VERSUS BOOLEAN SEARCHES

Key word searches are now obsolete. EDS' Shadow Patent Office (SPO) has developed a computerized, concept search method that utilizes the Internet Information Superhighway. This on-line, computerized method analyzes input text and compares it against EDS-SPO's database of 1.7 million US utility patents.

THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND CONCEPT SEARCHES

The EDS-SPO concept search method utilizes massive databases with huge memory (20 gigabytes), parallel hardware and software, and client -server technology. The EDS-SPO computer's combination of advanced hardware and software maximizes fast access to its main memory. Consequently, EDS-SPO can offer customers a fast, accurate, and cost effective patent search. EDS-SPO has offered patent searching since 1992.

PHASE II TESTING

The Phase II testing period will occur April 4, 1994 through April 15, 1994. During this time, each participant will be allowed 3 free patent searches per day. After April 15, 1994, there will be fees associated with the type of patent search requested.

For the Phase II testing period, users may request Subject Search reports by providing 50-1000 words of text and keywords in electronic mail format. An Infringement Search report is also available. A user requests this report by providing a patent id number and keywords in electronic mail format. A report will be electronically mailed back to the user requesting either type of report. Each report will contain the following information for the 50 closest patents to the search criteria.

o Patent ID o Issue Date o Class o Title o Inventor o Assignee o Abstract

Any organization or individual researching and/or developing a non- patented product or service will want on-line access to this powerful search tool. Areas of potential research include, but are not limited to: electronics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, software, petroleum, and mechanics.

HOW TO REGISTER

Prior to performing a patent search, you must be registered with EDS-SPO. To register, fill out the form below and send it to the following Internet address: spo_patent@spo.eds.com.

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

1) Company Name: ___________________________________________ 2) Customer Name____________________________________________ 3) Title: _________________________________________________ 4) Address: (street)________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ City: _____________ State: ____________ County:_______ Zip: ______________ Country: __________ 5) E-Mail address: ________________________________________ 6) Telephone Number:________________________________________ 7) Fax Number: _____________________________________________

When the above information is provided, EDS-SPO will send you a tutorial via the Internet.

CONTACTS

Contact EDS-SPO by sending an e-mail message to spo_patent@spo.eds.com.

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN CUSTOMER AND EDS-SPO

The EDS-SPO network and system are separated from the rest of EDS. EDS-SPO agrees to keep all customer information confidential and will allow only those staff members with a need to know to have access to such information. Customer information shall include, but not limited to, search disclosures, customer names, report requests, and any other written, electronic, or oral correspondence between EDS-SPO and its customer.