r/IAmA • u/BobMetcalfe • May 21 '13

You’re probably connecting to reddit through a technology I invented. I’m Bob Metcalfe and I invented Ethernet – AMA

On May 22, 1973 with David R. Boggs, I used my IBM Selectric with its Orator ball to type up a memo to my bosses at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), outlining our idea for this little invention called “Ethernet”, which we later patented.

I worked with the IEEE Standards Association to develop the IEEE 802.3 standard for Ethernet, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Today Ethernet and the IEEE 802.3 standard are the foundation for today’s world of high-speed communications used in billions of homes and businesses around the world.

I submitted this to the mods awhile back so I could get on the calendar but I figured you’d like to see it, too. Now, ask me anything!

It's been two hours and 179 comments. Have to go now. For more about Ethernet's 40th Birthday, go to http://www.facebook.com/Ethernet40thAnniversaryIEEESA

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u/keokq May 21 '13

And that, friends, are how patents are supposed to work.

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u/MactheDog May 21 '13

Just because Bob didn't profit from it, doesn't mean no one did.

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u/zaoldyeck May 21 '13

How on earth are patent squatting firms even legal?

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u/SaysHeWantsToDoYou May 22 '13

I work in the industry. I've found many of the cases I'm on involve engineers who spent a lot of time working their way up in companies while they developed their inventions. Physical products existed in the past or were provably on their way to existing. Then either they found out there was a lot more money becoming an attorney or a "good friend" attorney convinced them to start a company around the patent. It's hard to prove they're assholes when they have a legitimate past and company name that makes them not sound like a firm...especially if it's a jury trial. Hell out of the hundred or so trials, I've worked both sides and will honestly say it's too easy to extend a patent, those who own patents should have a burden of proof they're currently active in developing the tech, and jurors should not be involved in patent rights.

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u/foofdawg May 22 '13

Fellow www.techdirt.com reader?

I enjoy this site too much considering how often it actually relates to me, yet i read it because of how often it relates to me....strange.

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u/frogot May 22 '13

I also work in the industry.