Hyperlinks provide interconnections between web pages and thus provide the foundation for the global data network. British Telecom says it actually possesses a patent for this principle. The patent was apparently pending as early as 1976, when the British postal authorities of the time applied for it. It became valid in its final form in 1989. British Telecom itself was completely unaware of its rights until it looked through 15,000 patents three years ago.
Experts expect years of legal battles, as the wording of the patent is somewhat ambiguous.
The point at issue is whether Hyperlink technology already existed before the patent. Meanwhile, a lawsuit could damage British Telecom's reputation considerably. The patent expires in 2006. Because it is limited to the US market, it will have no repercussions in Europe.