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Apple Sued Over Fundamental iTunes Model

Posted by Zonk on from the who-says-patent-reform-isn't-working dept.

tuxgeek writes "A suit was filed Wednesday against Apple over the possibility that the iTunes music store and iPod are 'illegally using a patented method for distributing digital media over the Internet.' ZapMedia Services filed the suit, accusing the well-known OS and computer manufacturer of violating patents obtained just recently. 'The patents in question cover a way of sending music and other digital content from servers to multiple media players, a broad description that could also apply to a wide swath of other companies selling digital media and the devices to play it. ZapMedia said it met with Apple to discuss licensing, but Apple rebuffed the offer.'"

17 of 257 comments (clear)

  1. One can only hope... by Iphtashu+Fitz · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... that there's a special place in hell for patent trolls.

    1. Re:One can only hope... by Broken+scope · · Score: 5, Funny

      its the same place reserved for child molesters and people who talk in theater.

      --
      You mad
    2. Re:One can only hope... by greebowarrior · · Score: 3, Funny

      +1, Shepherd

    3. Re:One can only hope... by Lord+Apathy · · Score: 3, Funny

      And people who talk on cell phones in the next stall while I'm trying to take a dump.

      --

      Supporting World Peace Through Nuclear Pacification

    4. Re:One can only hope... by uglydog · · Score: 5, Funny

      how am i supposed to know it bothers u if u don't say anything?!

    5. Re:One can only hope... by carpe.cervisiam · · Score: 5, Funny

      Just do what I do. "Oh GOD! My A**HOLE IS TEARING!!!(grunt loudly)...." You get the idea. I figure if they don't want the person they are talking to hear that kind of thing, then they shouldn't use their phone in the bathroom.

      --
      It's not paranoia when they really are out to get you.
    6. Re:One can only hope... by Lord+Apathy · · Score: 2, Funny

      Man you guys are seriously disturbed...

      --

      Supporting World Peace Through Nuclear Pacification

    7. Re:One can only hope... by The+End+Of+Days · · Score: 2, Funny

      I assume people here are so fearful of interpersonal communication that they really can't stand the idea of anybody actually enjoying it.

      I've been busy developing tests to see if this hypothesis holds.

    8. Re:One can only hope... by gsn · · Score: 2, Funny

      Ooh thats a bit too cruel even for them - I mean can you imagine sitting across from Darl McBride for all eternity.

      --
      Reality must take precedence over public relations, for nature cannot be fooled.
    9. Re:One can only hope... by fireman+sam · · Score: 3, Funny

      All you have to do is yell out "The person you are talking to is sitting on a toilet." Hopefully they are talking to that really attractive person they were trying to get a date with at the time.

      --
      it is only after a long journey that you know the strength of the horse.
    10. Re:One can only hope... by Lord+Apathy · · Score: 2, Funny

      I don't know what you do in your bathroom, but mine is free of distractions and I'm usually pretty relaxed. I've gotten some of my best ideas in here. Thanks to wifi, I can work with others during this relaxed state.

      I got a friend who makes these herbal brownies with some stuff he grows in pots on his back porch does the same thing to me. Only side effect is after you eat one you want another. After the first though I am so relaxed you can hit me with a bat I and I won't notice it or car.

      --

      Supporting World Peace Through Nuclear Pacification

  2. Such an innovative invention by Solandri · · Score: 4, Funny

    Distributing media files over the Internet to devices in your home. Wow, I never would've thought of it!

  3. Re:When will they learn by TheLazySci-FiAuthor · · Score: 5, Funny

    I wonder how many more ridiculous lawsuits like this need to be brought before the government finally wakes up and realizes software patents are a bad idea.


    It will take exactly 27 more.
    --
    Read my Very Short "Stories"
  4. Re:You would have though they would notice sooner by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I forget, what's this "prior art" stuff I keep hearing about...? As someone who has worked for the USPTO as a patent examiner and who has approved thousands of tech related patents over the last 12 years, I can tell you that I have no idea what the hell you are talking about.
  5. Re:Don't be so quick to judge... by TaoPhoenix · · Score: 4, Funny

    With a license from Douglas Adams,
    the ZapPod BeebleBox?

    --
    My first Journal Entry ever, in 8 years! http://slashdot.org/journal/365947/aphelion-scifi-fantasy-horror-poetry-webzine
  6. Re:There's a lot of leeway in federal cases by zymurgyboy · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yay America!
    Perhaps so. Maybe they'll draw Samuel Kent and he can draft them an order like this one.

    BTW, it's funny because it's real.

    --
    If you never make mistakes, it's probably because you're not doing anything.
  7. Oldest patent lawsuit filed by edwardpickman · · Score: 2, Funny

    Decendents of Uugg the caveman filed a lawsuit against anyone profiting from music. They say his patents on striking two rocks together and pounding on a hollow log form the basis of all music. Representatives for the music industry made an out of court offer of two goats and a stone ax to settle the matter but the offer was rejected.