Apple Sues Android Phone Maker
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:04 am
Apple Sues Android Phone Maker
Company sues HTC for over 20 alleged patent infringements.
by Chris Burke
US, March 2, 2010 - These days, everyone wants to tap into the success of the iPhone. How well they compete is arguable, but it's clear that they use very similar hardware and software designs. Now Apple is bringing down the hammer on Taiwanese manufacturer HTC, makers of the Nexus One and G1 Android Phones.
Today Apple announced they'll be suing HTC for "infringing on 20 Apple patents related to the iPhone's user interface, underlying architecture and hardware." Steve Jobs condemned the company's rivals, saying, ""We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We've decided to do something about it. We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours."
If you were suing someone, you'd probably let them know, but that didn't happen in this case. HTC representatives told Gizmodo, "We only learned of Apple's actions based on your stories and Apple's press release. We have not been served any papers yet so we are in no position to comment on the claims. We respect and value patent rights but we are committed to defending our own innovations."
Further investigation from the site shows that Apple is specifically suing HTC for implementing fairly common touch-screen phone features, like a sliding on-screen lock, and scrolling and rotating documents. What does Apple want in return? A ban on HTC phones that infringe on these patents and payment of triple damages with maximum interest. This lawsuit is particularly interesting considering it was only two weeks ago that Apple was finally granted their patent on a capacitive touch screen.
Some think it's strange for Apple to sue HTC for infringement, when there are so many other manufacturers out there doing the same thing, but if Apple can establish their rights to the technology now, then any other manufacturer in the same position as HTC is likely to back down.
Predictably, Jobs doesn't mention the lawsuits filed against Apple by other business & start-up companies for infringing upon or stealing their tech.. :p
Company sues HTC for over 20 alleged patent infringements.
by Chris Burke
US, March 2, 2010 - These days, everyone wants to tap into the success of the iPhone. How well they compete is arguable, but it's clear that they use very similar hardware and software designs. Now Apple is bringing down the hammer on Taiwanese manufacturer HTC, makers of the Nexus One and G1 Android Phones.
Today Apple announced they'll be suing HTC for "infringing on 20 Apple patents related to the iPhone's user interface, underlying architecture and hardware." Steve Jobs condemned the company's rivals, saying, ""We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We've decided to do something about it. We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours."
If you were suing someone, you'd probably let them know, but that didn't happen in this case. HTC representatives told Gizmodo, "We only learned of Apple's actions based on your stories and Apple's press release. We have not been served any papers yet so we are in no position to comment on the claims. We respect and value patent rights but we are committed to defending our own innovations."
Further investigation from the site shows that Apple is specifically suing HTC for implementing fairly common touch-screen phone features, like a sliding on-screen lock, and scrolling and rotating documents. What does Apple want in return? A ban on HTC phones that infringe on these patents and payment of triple damages with maximum interest. This lawsuit is particularly interesting considering it was only two weeks ago that Apple was finally granted their patent on a capacitive touch screen.
Some think it's strange for Apple to sue HTC for infringement, when there are so many other manufacturers out there doing the same thing, but if Apple can establish their rights to the technology now, then any other manufacturer in the same position as HTC is likely to back down.
Predictably, Jobs doesn't mention the lawsuits filed against Apple by other business & start-up companies for infringing upon or stealing their tech.. :p