Approved Patent Prevents Posting of Pre-Selected Presents

I realize this does little to enrich your IP Valuation lives, but this November patent award is just too precious not to mention here.  Amazon has received a patent on a system that allows a customer to “return” an unwanted gift BEFORE it is received.  As CNNMoney.com reports, by clicking a box, one can automatically convert all gifts from a given sender to gift certificates to spend on something really wanted.  And here is the kicker:  the giver can be sent a Thank You note that references the original gift.  I can’t stop shaking my head.