07-06-2007, 12:15 PM
Quote:Local.coms stock value has gone berzerk after the news hit over the holiday week of the local search company being granted a US Patent for advertiser supported 411 directory listings in text messages.
On Monday, Local.com was awarded patent number 7,200,413 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent is for the method of responding to enhanced directory assistance inquiries using various protocols including voice-enabled and SMS systems. The patent also covers an associated referral advertising model, which is designed to monetize those local searches.
Sure many search companies are awarded patents, but the Local.com patent encompasses many existing business models by companies such as Miva or Free411, and possibly Google which already has its own voice activated business directory for telephone users which sends results to the user via SMS...
full article: http://www.searchenginejournal.com/local...tent/5270/