Talk:Carmack's Reverse

Isn't it the nature of patents that they must be disclosed? So how did Bilodeau and Songy get a patent, but Carmack is the one listed as disclosing his technique to the world?

Submarines

Just because you have a patent doesnt mean you have to tell people about it. Anyone can go look for the patent but you don't have to advertise it, ala submarine patents.

To add to that, Carmack discovers it independently, but patent requires you to be able to document that you are the first one to do so, and Carmack didn't discover it first, but since he's famous, this algorithm is known commonly as the Carmack's Reverse.

Actually, it's a little more complicated than that. The issue of who was first to invent only comes up with US patents. Even then, it only comes up if two parties file separate patent applications that each attempt to claim the same invention. Then there is a process called an "interference" where the USPTO determines who was first and who is entitled to the patent. If only one party files the patent application then they are the ones to get a patent. It doesn't matter if anyone else invented it earlier, provided that directions on how to make and use the invention have not been public for more than a year before the patent application was filed. --Nowa 19:32, 30 April 2006 (UTC)