alonzomourning23
08-17-2005, 03:23 AM
There are likely some red faces at Apple Computer.
Apple took too long to file a patent on part of its blockbuster I-Pod music players, so Microsoft jumped in and beat Apple to it.
Tech pundits are snickering at the prospect of Apple having to pay Bill Gates big royalties on the hugely popular I-Pods, which account for more than a third of Apple's revenue.
On Tuesday, technology lawyer John Ferrell said Apple still has a lot of options, and this isn't a knockout blow. He said Apple could file a declaration stating it invented the technology before Microsoft filed its patent request.
The company could also alter the patent claims so they don't overlap Microsoft's. Ferrell estimates it could be at least another six months before it's all sorted out.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/business/national/2005/08/16/I-Pod_patents20050816.html
I really think they should reform the patent laws, you shouldn't be allowed to patent an invention when you clearly know that not only did they not invent it, but you also know who did.
edit: saw another article saying they have to pay $6 for each ipod sold, lost the article though
Apple took too long to file a patent on part of its blockbuster I-Pod music players, so Microsoft jumped in and beat Apple to it.
Tech pundits are snickering at the prospect of Apple having to pay Bill Gates big royalties on the hugely popular I-Pods, which account for more than a third of Apple's revenue.
On Tuesday, technology lawyer John Ferrell said Apple still has a lot of options, and this isn't a knockout blow. He said Apple could file a declaration stating it invented the technology before Microsoft filed its patent request.
The company could also alter the patent claims so they don't overlap Microsoft's. Ferrell estimates it could be at least another six months before it's all sorted out.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/business/national/2005/08/16/I-Pod_patents20050816.html
I really think they should reform the patent laws, you shouldn't be allowed to patent an invention when you clearly know that not only did they not invent it, but you also know who did.
edit: saw another article saying they have to pay $6 for each ipod sold, lost the article though