Both, I hear, are rather litigious at times (man, am I ever going to get sued). So, when Microsoft patents Harry Potter's Magic Wand, how will that go?
"Newly-disclosed USPTO documents show that Microsoft is seeking patent protection for a 'Magic Wand,' a device with various gizmos and sensors that can manipulate and interact with its environment, including video and holographic images, while using biometrics to connect with the user. 'Even the most pragmatic individual,' explains Microsoft, 'would have trouble arguing against the merits or utility of, say, a magic wand that actually worked to control or communicate with objects or components in an associated nearby environment.'
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It's good that Microsoft didn't patent a Magic Ring. The Tolkien family's lawyers are even nastier than Rowling's.
magic wand? some sort of electronic stimulator??
needs a better brand name than 'micro-soft'...
Given Microsoft's track record, it'soing to be a wand like Ron has in harry Potter 2 - the one which backfires and screws the one using it....