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Post by Alicia on Aug 19, 2018 17:38:40 GMT
Hi Everyone!
Thank you for this great forum!
My question is: how can I Track Bites and other similar websites get away with using WW's proprietary information? Zazzles has always mentioned the patents for the point systems.
I actually feel a little guilty using I Track Bites, not to mention, I wonder if WW will shut them down.
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Post by itsrad on Aug 19, 2018 18:05:53 GMT
I'm just guessing, but because they don't refer them as "Smrt Points" or "Fre Style" points or refer to WW, there probably isn't much that can be done.
The formula for SP's is readily available online and is public information. It is actually pretty straightforward. If you wanted to program an excel spreadsheet or a programmable calculator, you could do it yourself and create your own tracker.
Don't feel guilty. It isn't your job to protect the brand.
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Post by zazzles on Aug 19, 2018 18:53:40 GMT
As itsrad pointed out, the names of the various points programs are trademarks. There is a difference between registered trademarks and patents. Since the sites and apps avoid the use of WW's registrered trademarks, WW can't sue them on that front. It is just my guess: virtually all technology (apps as well as web sites) contain implied agreements that anyone using them agrees to in advance—you can't reverse-engineer the apps or web sites. In order for WW to PROVE that their patents are being violated, they would have to violate app/site agreements they accepted before doing the reverse engineering. I'm guessing that's the catch-22 that keeps WW from shutting all of those apps and sites down. And, besides, WW always just abandons their old programs. Ask them why you can't use PointsPlus or POINTS and you're told that those programs are obsolete and not base don the latest science. Again, WW would be speaking out of both sides of their mouth if the took enforcement action to protect a patent that they themselves say is obsolete. |
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Post by borntexan on Aug 19, 2018 20:28:24 GMT
Don't feel guilty about using them.There are lots of people using I track bites or there's another app on Apple that has a similar program.Freestyle is called flex on ITB and you have to pay extra for it so WW can't sue them on that front either.
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Post by Alicia on Aug 19, 2018 20:33:47 GMT
You guys are so smart! Thank you for explaining so well!
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