Greg,

Thanks for asking.

Even though I am not Dean - or Dien - I'll jump in...

Ideas are not patentable. Nor are generic business models.

Think of other businesses that use the general business model... tools, vehicles, homes, appliances, furniture, computers, etc.

Also, the word Pending means only that a Patent was applied for - not granted. And you don't know What they have applied for do you? Could be a name, a unique system within their operation, etc.

Michael Ross