I created a computer program for a client and things went bad. I think the client is trying to scam me. The client sent me an email informing they have filed a patent to the program I made, and even if I refuse to agree to additional paper work they still own everything and don't have to pay me. They sent me a description of the patent. A lot of the things are very generic, and I was wondering if someone could confirm if such things can be patented or are too generic?
TL;DR does the following transcript from a message deserve any attention?
The program functionality has now been filed for patenting. This entails I own functionality on:
- A program that runs on any Computer, Smartphone, Tablet, Electronic device, that can create a/multiple box shape filled in with any colour or blank with an outline.
- A program that runs on any Computer, Smartphone, Tablet, Electronic device, that can create a/multiple Free Form Shape(s) filled in with any colour or blank with an outline.
- The box(s) can overlap any other source on a monitor, or box(s) that do not overlap any other source on a monitor.
- The Free Form Shape can overlap any other source on a monitor, or Free Form Shapes that do not overlap any other source on a monitor.
- Box(s) can be deleted at anytime. Box(s) can be deleted individually.
- Box(s) can be locked in place.
- Box(s) that can be moved around.
- Free Form Shape(s) that can be deleted at anytime. Free form shapes that can be deleted individually.
- Free Form Shape(s) can be locked in place. 10 Free Form Shape(s) that can be moved around. Now that I have a patent, any program that has any of those specific functions is now under the patent that I own and can only be released under my written consent. This means you cannot use what you have done for anything beyond using it for your own personal use. Failure to do so means I will press legal action against you. Because you have been informed of the patent you cannot show the program to anyone else without disclosing that there is a patent on the functionalities and that you do not own the patent on them. Failure to do so will hold you legally liable against the individual(s) you have told. I will take legal action against said individual(s) and yourself.
We never discussed ownership and no contract was agreed upon. This sort of came out of the blue.