FlightAware Statement on FlightPrep Patent
FlightAware has received many calls & emails from concerned FlightAware users wanting to know how the recent FlightPrep patent news affects us. We normally would not comment on this kind of matter, but we have decided to provide some insight from FlightAware's perspective due to the high level of interest and potential impact on the industry.
In August and September of 2010, FlightPrep repeatedly contacted FlightAware in order to discuss its newly issued patent. Because our expertise is in software innovation rather than patent litigation, we referred the matter to our patent attorney. He investigated the matter in depth, and provided our response to FlightPrep informing them that FlightAware did not infringe their patent. We have received no further communication from FlightPrep.
FlightPrep's patent does not broadly cover all forms of flight planning using the Internet. Indeed the Patent Office Examiner considered prior art that showed flight planning using the Internet, both with and without waypoints. The scope of FlightPrep's patent claims is thus narrower, and requires details that FlightAware does not do.
We remain focused and committed to developing & providing the best aviation software that we can. We encourage everyone, including FlightPrep, to do the same. The recent patent news will not affect our innovation or the services that we provide.
Thanks to all for your support.
Daniel Baker
Founder & CEO, FlightAware
About FlightAware
FlightAware, a part of Collins Aerospace, is a leading provider of real-time and historical flight information and insights to the global aviation community. FlightAware serves all segments of the aviation marketplace through best-in-class applications and data services that provide comprehensive information about the current and predicted movement of aircraft. Through the collection, interpretation, and enrichment of hundreds of sources of data, including data from FlightAware's own proprietary terrestrial ADS-B network with tens of thousands of receivers spanning seven continents in 200 countries and territories, FlightAware transforms millions of raw flight data elements and delivers them as coherent, easy-to-consume flight stories. As a single source of accurate and actionable data for aviation players large and small, FlightAware is Central to Aviation®.
