The annual Ocean Tomo Live IP Auction usually brings together hundreds of key decision-makers in the intellectual property and investment communities. During the Auction that will be held on April 2 at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco, there will be an interesting patent for sale.

Clarke-Boler Technologies revealed that they will be offering Lot #51a (comprised of patent #6,912,407) relating to a handheld device for storing, searching, and selecting telephone listing information.

Imagine a pocket-sized device with which you users look up phone numbers at the touch of a button. Clarke-Boler says it will be also cost-efficient, considering that you can save money on 411 calls and have instant access to any listed number in the country anytime, since the phone numbers are built in.

Like the Yellow Pages, this electronic phone directory has the capability of generating advertising revenue through graphical ads and premium positioning. The patent allows the device to be updated often via wireless or PC sync. It can even be voice activated (What city please?).

True, the holder of this patent will be in a very powerful position, and many will indeed benefit from acquiring Lot #51a: Telephone and multiple service providers, directory information management technology developers, and handheld device manufacturers, to name a few.

But, the really important issue here is the platform because like buying shoes or digital music players, there is a proliferation of choices and devices, not every consumer is going to buy the same one.