Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

New Apple Multi-Touch Patent Is Too Broad

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the they-usually-are dept.

adeelarshad82 writes "Nearly three and a half years later, Apple has finally been awarded the U.S. patent number 7,966,578, which according to the patent experts should worry rivals. According to exclusive interviews with patent experts, the incredibly broad patent puts Apple in a strong position when it comes to displaying content and using certain finger gestures on smart phones. The patent is so broad that not only will Apple's legal team target iPhone competitors but will also look to go after iPad and iPod rivals. Experts also discussed the scenario of Apple licensing its patented technology or for that matter, the courts completely scrapping the patent in public's interest."

4 of 310 comments (clear)

  1. Prior art: Jeff Han multi touch demo at TED, 2006 by MarcoPon · · Score: 3, Interesting

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKh1Rv0PlOQ

    --

    SeqBox
  2. Re:Mod me down, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    What about companies that manufacture these touchscreen devices? Aren't they the ones who should be holding the relevant patents? Why is it that apple has the power to artificially limit the touchscreen manufacturer's market just over "use cases" ??

  3. Re:They all do this. by recoiledsnake · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Broad patents? Nokia holds some very specific patents related to the GSM communication hardware/software technology unlike Apple patenting a mechanism that has been around for ages. Example from 1991 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8lCetZ_57g

    --
    This space for rent.
  4. Re:Don't hate the player ... by s73v3r · · Score: 3, Interesting

    No, they really couldn't. It's basically the Prisoner's dilemma. If all agree to stop playing and reform, then things would work out better for everyone. However, because they are run by humans, that won't happen, because if even one company keeps playing, then all are fucked. And if only one stops playing, then that company is royally fucked.

    So no, you can't really single out a single "player" for hating.