Emoticon Patent

Further proof that we live in a wacky world, and if we're not careful, we could all be owned by someone else someday. Microsoft has filed a patent with the US Patent Office to trademark the creation of custom emoticons. Microsoft apparently believes that it created emoticons; emoticons have commercial value; and wants to own it. WTF? Bill, how far do you intend to go? The emoticon patent hasn't been granted as yet. However, this ridiculous patent was recently granted to Amazon. It represents a process by which is a visitor's viewing history can be used to form relationships -- e.g., "products A and B are related because a significant portion of those who viewed A also viewed B." There's nothing unique in the process Amazon patented. It's used by many already -- like bricks and mortar stores that will recommend a product with another based on the purchase history of the latter -- e.g., people who buy a coffee, sometimes buy a cookie with it. When will the madness end?