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Apple Mines App Store Submissions For Patent Ideas
I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "Apple has started filing a bunch of patents on mobile applications. That might not be so interesting in and of itself, but if you look closely at the figures in one of the patents, you can see that it's a copy of the third-party Where To? application, which has been on the App Store since at least 2008. There's also a side-by-side comparison which should make it clear that the diagram was copied directly from their app. Even though it's true that the figures are just illustrations of a possible UI and not a part of the claimed invention, it's hard to see how they didn't get some of their ideas from Where To? It might also be the case that Apple isn't looking through the App Store submissions in order to patent other people's ideas, but it's difficult to explain some of these patents if they're not. And with the other patents listed, it's hard to see how old ideas where 'on the internet' has been replaced with the phrase 'on a mobile device' can promote the progress of science and useful arts. This seems like a good time to use Peer to Patent."
Hmmm did RTFA, and didn't see any kind of update about this.. nice try though..
*narf!*
U MAD
We get it, you're obsessed with patents and can be easily riled up just by mentioning them regardless of any facts whatsoever. To you, it's okay to flat-out lie about Apple on Slashdot because it reinforces your existing opinions.
Web stats are very unreliable. We know that Symbian, RIM and now Android are outselling the Iphone platform, but they show up less on web stats. They're not even included at all on your reference!
Which could mean that very few use them for browsing, because the experience isn't that good. But that's something a fanboi like you could never even consider.
Lars T.
To the guy who modded me down from perfect to terrible Karma - Apple haters still suck
Hell, did anyone read the submission which flat-out states that the illustration is just an example of a possible use of the technology?
I haven't bothered to read it, but doesn't this mean that the application would be covered by the patent (exactly what you're saying isn't true)?
No. Whatever gave you that idea?
Lars T.
To the guy who modded me down from perfect to terrible Karma - Apple haters still suck
Side note, careful with the word "application" here, since it's generally got a different meaning in patent contexts. Let's just grit the teeth and say "iPhone ap".
My wife recently used the (Dutch) word "applicatie" to describe patches/badges on our son's shirt. I was thoroughly confused.
That's an "applique". Be glad she isn't German, there it's "Applikation" - which also means application.
Lars T.
To the guy who modded me down from perfect to terrible Karma - Apple haters still suck