I would really like to see what this "innovation" is. There's a list out there somewhere that tracks Microsoft innovations. A possible innovation is posted, people look for prior art, and the decision is made. Out of many, I believe only a few were declared innovative -- like Microsoft Bob and Clippy.
Our patent system is so hosed right now. They'll grant a software patent on anything, even stuff that's been in open source for years.
"They'll grant a software patent on anything, even stuff that's been in open source for years."
I remember a Paul Harvey story about two guys who bet each other a case of their favorite beer who could get a patent first. Long-story-short, the guy who won patented the wheel.
I heard Microsoft Bob is an al-Qaeda operative. :)