US company seeks international patent for internet-telephony software

CallNOW.com's software enables customers to sign up for, activate and manage their voice communications online from anywhere in the world, in real-time. Also, customers can survey global telephone rates, and monitor their bills on-line immediately after calls have been made. CallNOW.com services are provided globally and include international and national long distance, instant calling, and live voice chat.

“We are excited about this patent award which empowers Internet users with new voice technology,” said Christian Bardenheuer, CEO of CallNOW.com. “

CallNOW.com has said that it has been notified by The International Preliminary Examining Authority notified CallNOW.com that its application for an international patent has been examined, and said that “all claims were found to meet the specified criteria.“

However, this can be misleading. This International Authority was set up in the 1970s and is overseen by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The system allows for a single application to be made for protection in any specified number of more than 70 participating countries in the world. However, it remains a domestic matter as to whether the criteria of patentability are met by an application. The strict rules in Europe that make it difficult to secure software patents could limit the international monopoly rights that CallNOW.com hopes to secure.

Further information on the international patent system is available on WIPO’s web site