Looks like I missed some excitement at CeBit this year: a large patent raid:

Dozens of exhibitors at Europe's largest gadget confab were in for a surprise this week: Suspecting patent violations, German authorities raided 51 booths, carting off cell phones, navigation devices, and other gear that allegedly infringe on patents.

So what kinds of things did they grab?

The police didn't name which people or companies were targeted, but they did say the alleged patent violations deal with devices that have MP3, MP4, or digital video broadcast functions; DVD players; and blank CDs and DVDs. They managed to fill 68 boxes with gadgets, documents, and advertising material and took down the identities of nine people, most of whom were reportedly cooperative.

What kind of patents are associated with these audio players and video players, I wonder - there are tons of such devices on the market. And blank CDs and DVDs?

Not to sound too much like a crank, but did the IFPI decide to take the same stupid pills that the RIAA has been on over the last decade?

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