Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Compaq Attempts to Muscle eMachines in Court

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the if-you-can't-beat-them-sue-them dept.

Anonymous Coward writes "Compaq is suing eMachines for patent infringement, but the real reason might be that eMachines is invading their sub-$1000 market. Sounds too similar to the Packard Bell story. " (The Packard Bell reference is explained in the linked-to article in case you don't remember Compaq's similar suit against Packard Bell back in 1994.)

1 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. A tad bit more info... by ShawnP · · Score: 3

    Apparently, when one computer maker comes up with a new revolutionary idea, they cross license it to other manufacturers and the other manufacturers do the same. Apparently, emachines was taking a free ride on the innovation train run by the other manufacturers
    (From MSNBC)

    From Yahoo

    The technology in question, including selectable resolution monitor systems and a system designed to boot from CD-ROM or tape, is basic to PC systems.

    (They also mention that the result of the earlier PB lawsuits that Compaq filed was the PB had to pay Compaq for 5 years of Patent royalties. The other sources don't mention that)

    Information for your digestion on the matter

    SP

    --
    "It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong." - Voltaire