U.S. Backs Apple in Patent Ruling That Hits Google

[Maggy J]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/20/te...ef=global-home

A federal agency ruled on Monday that a set of important features commonly found in smartphones are protected by an Apple patent, a decision that could force changes in how Google’s Android phones function.
The ruling, by the United States International Trade Commission, is one of the most significant so far in a growing array of closely watched patent battles being waged around the globe by nearly all of the major players in the mobile industry. These fights reflect the heated competition among the companies, especially as Android phones gain market share.
At the heart of the disputes are the kind of small but convenient features that would cause many people to complain if they were not in their smartphones. For example, the case decided Monday involves the technology that lets you tap your finger once on the touch screen to call a phone number that is written inside an e-mail or text message. It also involves the technology that allows you to schedule a calendar appointment, again with a single tap of the finger, for a date mentioned in an e-mail.

I thought touch screen technology was invented back in the 60s by IBM? Seems a bit of a stretch for Apple to claim the rights?

[denphone]

Originally Posted by Maggy J

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/20/te...ef=global-home



I thought touch screen technology was invented back in the 60s by IBM? Seems a bit of a stretch for Apple to claim the rights?

It seems lately there has been a lot of these "tick for tact" patent disputes in the last couple of years but when there is a lot of money involved and competitors breathing down your neck companies tend to try to flex their power in the courts.

[Damien]

Originally Posted by Maggy J

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/20/te...ef=global-home



I thought touch screen technology was invented back in the 60s by IBM? Seems a bit of a stretch for Apple to claim the rights?

Looks like the patient involves the method Apple use to scan the content of a e-mail or webpage to find data that can be used by other applications. Patients are stupid but the only company that can claim to be above the fray is Google who have yet to sue anyone.