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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.'"

9 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 uglydog · · Score: 5, Funny

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

    3. 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.
  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.