Apple targeted by patent troll on every touch product
0. phoneArena posted on 24 Apr 2012, 23:01
We're used to seeing Apple engaged in patent lawsuits, often as the plaintiff, although occasionally as the target. However, this time FlatWorld Interactives has targeted Apple, and targeted the company in a big way...
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2. eaxvac posted on 24 Apr 2012, 23:15 2 25
At least they have their own patent, unlike Google who stole it and distribute them to Android manufacturers as if its their own.
7. chadrick0814 posted on 25 Apr 2012, 01:33 8 2
I think you actually mean "slide to unlock.". You know, that thing that was invented and used well before Apple patented it as if it was their own and started suing everyone over it.
3. wumberpeb posted on 24 Apr 2012, 23:18 7 3
This is ridiculous, as this would affect every modern smartphone, and likely tablets, if I'm not mistaken...
Trolling at it's finest, or worst if you wanna look at it that way
4. wumberpeb posted on 24 Apr 2012, 23:27 3 2
Scratch that part about EVERY smartphone or tablet, not sure what a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad is...still dumb that companies and their lawyers think they can feed off of Apple (or any company) in the hopes for some out of court settlement. Rambus anyone?
10. Leo_MC posted on 25 Apr 2012, 01:46 2 1
No, the only thing ridiculous is US patent system.
Come on, how can a company get a patent that is already used in another device? Make a f* database, US and stop wasting everyone's money.
12. wumberpeb posted on 25 Apr 2012, 01:48 1 1
Its still ridiculous, but you're right as well. Doesn't take away from my original point
16. Leo_MC posted on 25 Apr 2012, 07:04 0 0
In EU Apple's patent claims almost never got answered because of a different system, in Asia is the same thing; the only problem is in US market.
So this will affect only the smartphones sold in US because FCC - if I'm not mistaking - does a lousy job.
22. Forsaken77 posted on 25 Apr 2012, 22:05 1 0
As I recall, the patent war started in Germany between Apple and Samsung, then travelled around the world. The U.S. was the last stop on their global tour. So it seems the international patent system has some work to do. And you can make any product you want. It's the responsibility of the original patent holder to realize you're using their ideas.
17. tedkord posted on 25 Apr 2012, 07:57 0 0
It is overly broad. They should only sue for valid issues, like rectangle shapes and black bezels.
5. Lucas777 posted on 24 Apr 2012, 23:33 4 2
how can you patent a gesture… maybe if it was the technology that read the gesture, but a gesture in itself is ridiculous..
and ps michael h, this started before the earnings call this morning-- not an important detail but just wanted to let u know
9. JC557 posted on 25 Apr 2012, 01:43 2 1
Our friend from Xerox was ahead of the curve:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8lCetZ_57g
Not to mention the other companies that put that idea to fruition and expanded upon it.
18. tedkord posted on 25 Apr 2012, 08:04 0 0
I was really beginning to think this video was barely related to the topic, when the fellow opened a book on the desktop, used a multitouch gesture to highlight a paragraph in the book, and dragged and dropped it in his presentation.
Apple ripped alot more than the GUI off Xerox. Looks like Xerox were the real geniuses.
6. darktranquillity posted on 25 Apr 2012, 01:15 7 3
Dear apple, you started it and it'll take you to your end:)
20. gwuhua1984 posted on 25 Apr 2012, 10:45 0 0
Patent "using the middle finger to do the screen unlock"!
21. jmoita2 posted on 25 Apr 2012, 17:14 0 0
And here is a gem I just saw on Phonescoop...
"Apple iPhone Violates Motorola Wi-Fi Patent"
