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RIP NavMonster - FlightPrep Victim #5
Due to the litigious environment that we live in today, NavMonster is no longer in operation. You just shouldn't be able to patent common sense and good programming skills, but sadly someone has. Best of luck to those that stay in the fight Want to own and operate your own flight planning web site? NavMonster is available for purchase. Inquiries are welcomed (www.navmonster.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I don't see any recent posts here but apparently NavMonster is back up. They cut a deal with FlightPrep and make NO mention of that on their web site. The deal is under a nondisclosure so FlightPrep has gagged them and that they are not able to acknowledge that there was a deal with them or even that there was a disruption. This is NOT about protecting the intellectual property of a brilliant idea. FlightPrep is abusive and I have contributed money and will continue to contribute to RunwayFinder's defense fund. I have signed the petition at www.BoycottFlightPrep.com and encourage all to get behind this.
"If this is the fifth company to be successfully sued under this patent, don't you think experienced people in those companies have already tried to find real prior technology that renders the patent invalid?"
Now, that just mis-represent what is happening. NO company was sued successfully to date, but plenty of small time web sites were bullied to close down. It takes lots money and effort to fight the case in court and financially it is absolutely out of reach for the people maintaining their own site in spare time. This is no doubt what FlightPrep counts on - collect enough of scalps of defenseless people to look more formidable to big guys (Jeppessen, AOPA, ...) when FlightPrep actually goes after them.
Now, that just mis-represent what is happening. NO company was sued successfully to date, but plenty of small time web sites were bullied to close down. It takes lots money and effort to fight the case in court and financially it is absolutely out of reach for the people maintaining their own site in spare time. This is no doubt what FlightPrep counts on - collect enough of scalps of defenseless people to look more formidable to big guys (Jeppessen, AOPA, ...) when FlightPrep actually goes after them.
Watch the movie The Social Network rhen get back to us. BTW, indidual choice about what to buy or not buy.
If this is the fifth company to be successfully sued under this patent, don't you think experienced people in those companies have already tried to find real prior technology that renders the patent invalid? They obviously didn't find it. If you think YOU have real, documented, prior technology, there are mechanisms for private citizens to send those documents into the patent and trademark office. Even better, send it directly to NavMonster to cite in this case. Five companies having their existence on the line failed to do that. You have your chance.
Now why is everyone wanting to use NavMonster? Are they cheaper? Maybe the reason they're cheaper is because they didn't have to spend the time and money actually developing the technology. Instead, they simply copy it, and pass the savings along to you.
Either send your prior technology to the patent office or accept that NavMonster is a thief.
Now why is everyone wanting to use NavMonster? Are they cheaper? Maybe the reason they're cheaper is because they didn't have to spend the time and money actually developing the technology. Instead, they simply copy it, and pass the savings along to you.
Either send your prior technology to the patent office or accept that NavMonster is a thief.
I love navmonster! Bring it back!
This patent appears to be a "business method" patent and they are on shaky ground in the courts right now because nothing tangible is invented nor is a process for changing the physical nature of anything. Basically it's just a way of doing something and patents like these have the effect of strangling innovation. I'm getting back into flying after a few years layoff and have been looking at the various flight planning alternatives. FlightPrep products will not be even considered in my product evaluation.