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Google's Doodles Patented
Most Google users are familiar with the search engine’s penchant for highlighting anniversaries and special events by substituting the standard Google logo with an image or interactive piece of animation that pays homage to the event in question. Google’s Sergey Brin was issued a patent for it. On March 22, 2011, a U.S. patent was issued to Mr. Brin for a “system” for enticing users to access a website.
The invention is described in the patent as using an animated story line or modified/customized company logo displayed on a web page, which changes periodically to entice users to repeatedly access the web page. Of course, each specific Doodle would be covered by trade-mark and copyright protection, but Google has integrated the generation of this creative content into a system; a system that now enjoys patent protection.
For additional information, visit:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20046034-71.html#ixzz1HQj0BPGk