Actually, I DO own the web

[robo555]

http://technology.nzoom.com/2000/06/21/00027407.htm

Interesting article, here's a little snip off it:

Several US based ISP's received letters in the mail from British Telecom requesting that they pay royalties for using hyperlinks last week.

British Telecom claims it patented the hyperlink in 1989, and has tolerated the royalty-free use of the technology up until now.

[StuartW]

What is behind this is that British Telcom actually developed hyperlinks and obtained a patent on it, which has now run out in this country I think. In typical British fashion, having invented something, British Telcom not realizing its potential, just shelved the patent; until now of course.
It will be interesting to see the response of the ISP's