Apple Sues HTC

[AIT]

Apple has sued HTC claiming 20 patent violations relating to iPhone and other technology, including the iPhone's multitouch functionality.

 

Link to article: Apple sues HTC over multitouch and other patents - ZDNet.co.uk

 

 

Do you think HTC have a leg to stand on?

[mac_shinobi]

I saw that one this morning via IT pro news letter in my inbox and contemplated making a post but decided against it as didn't feel like starting a flame war or anything - would be good to see peoples opinions on this.

[ZeroHour]

I think its pretty disgraceful that they were allowed some of those patents. I am generally against all software patents as they all seem to stiffle innovation and far to many are to generic.

[AIT]

It does make an interesting argument about what there patent actually covers.

 

to quote: "'unlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image', 'list scrolling and document translation, scaling, and rotation on a touchscreen display', and 'object-oriented graphic system'."

 

what will happen to htc devices that do violate?

 

can apple monopolise the market like this?

[webman]

Software patents are ridiculous. That's all I have to say.

[mac_shinobi]

It does make an interesting argument about what there patent actually covers.

 

to quote: "'unlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image', 'list scrolling and document translation, scaling, and rotation on a touchscreen display', and 'object-oriented graphic system'."

 

what will happen to htc devices that do violate?

 

can apple monopolise the market like this?

 

I left them to it because apple are getting sued by nokia. Also sagem, blackberry and all the others are trying to file suit / follow suit etc so its just getting a bit silly now.

[Theblacksheep]

Most big companies are taking the michael over patents...

 

patentening the 'click' or the 'genture' FFS

[localzuk]

My guess as to the outcome will be a bunch of cross-licensing deals, a bit of money changing hands and it all going quiet. Simply because each company, and the open handset alliance (IIRC that's what its called) have a huge portfolio of patents with which they could strike back.

 

This is more likely a method of ensuring cheap licensing deals...

 

Software patents are a ridiculous idea. Sure, copyright things but patenting software is dumb.

[ZeroHour]

Amazon have the patent for the 1 click shopping basket lol.

Also BT have the old patent for the hyperlink as well. Scrap them all I say.

[glennda]

Theres no point patenting things that are to do with computers anyway... Microsoft will still steal all your ideas!

[Guest Guest]

"'unlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image'

 

 

Thats funny. My tocco does that, ooh and yes i believe the tocco was out before the iPhone.

 

Its thinks like this which remind me why i hate Apple sometimes. MS in the 90s... nothing compared to Apple of late.

[glennda]

I should have patented windows 7... as it was my idea

[Chunky]

No. It was the idea of a few people. I've seen them on the telly telling me it was their idea.

 

[CyberNerd]

No. It was the idea of a few people. I've seen them on the telly telling me it was their idea.

 

they were all linux/mac users then

[Gatt]

what will happen to htc devices that do violate?

 

All affected phones will receive a software update that will:

 

Display a message forcing the user to choose one of the following:

 

1) Purchase an iPhone - this option will then brick the HTC handset

2) Uninstall the HTC Software, bricking the handset as it does not comlpy with Apple Patents

3) Ask again later - the prompt will then re-appear the next time the phone is switched on, or when you go to answer/make a phone call or send/receive an SMS/MMS

 

[webman]

what will happen to htc devices that do violate?

 

All affected phones will receive a software update that will:

 

Display a message forcing the user to choose one of the following:

 

Sorry, no can do - that idea is patented

[Gatt]

Unless its running WM5/6 - in whcih case - no patent infringments

[fafster]

I think its pretty disgraceful that they were allowed some of those patents. I am generally against all software patents as they all seem to stiffle innovation and far to many are to generic.

 

You'll love this one, then: http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=Szh4AAAAEBAJ&dq=7028023

Edited March 4, 2010 by ZeroHour
changed to google patents link

[localzuk]

You'll love this one, then: Linked list - US Patent 7028023 Abstract

 

o.O What on Earth?! Linked lists are older than most members of this site!! Man, the US Patent Office needs a kick up the rear...

[ZeroHour]

(changed link to google patents btw, its free and better)

WTH thats a joke, it was filed in 2002 as well!

[fafster]

The idea of software patents is a farce, especially when it's mostly covered by copyright laws anyway.

[apoth0r]

Bullying in the workplace! Counter-sue!

 

Rediculous, Apple are turning people against them.

I vow never to buy an Apple product!

[glennda]

Bullying in the workplace! Counter-sue!

 

Rediculous, Apple are turning people against them.

I vow never to buy an Apple product!

 

I do that anyway!! i hate apple software and took so long taking the out of the iphone for being rubbish i couldn't then get one - so i then got a Nexus one which is soooooo much better!!

[Hightower]

Sounds to me like Apple can't hit Google directly, so is trying to hit them indirectly.

[synaesthesia]

All counter-productive. Apple don't particularly have a leg to stand on with this one. They're being sued by Nokia for various infringements, in turn a majority of other manufacturers licence that technology from Nokia - and some of them are being sued by Apple for... ouch, my head is starting to hurt

 

Sick of it all really. Apple need to grow up a bit, it's clear they're getting a bit antsy with all the competition coming up. If they want to have a go at someone, they should probably try with those chinese folks making the £20 knock-offs which are better than the real thing.