I hate thinking about software patents. Hate, hate, hate. It makes my brain ache. That said, I guess it's still news that Apple is now initiating a fresh new lawsuit against 17 Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S2, Galaxy Nexus, Illusion, Captivate Glide, Exhibit II 4G, Stratosphere, Transform Ultra, Admire, Conquer 4G and Dart. Phew. The suits are over 8 different Apple patents, including:
- System and method for performing an action on a structure in computer-generated data
- Universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system
- Unlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image
- Method, system, and graphical user interface for providing word recommendations
- Missed telephone call management for a portable multifunction device
- Graphical user interface using historical lists with field classes
- Asynchronous data synchronization amongst devices
- Universal interface for retrieval of information in a computer system
The suit also leaves room for other infriging devices (notice that Apple says they could level charges against at least 17 smartphones). Should Apple win this round of litigation, Samsung would have to pull all of their products from US shelves until the issue is resolved. Let's hope this doesn't happen because this whole lawsuit orgy is just terrible for innovation and our own sanity.
Some are wondering why Google doesn't sue Apple ofor using the notification pull down is they have a patent on it. The answer is simple: they don't. Google simply does not patent ideas as quickly as Apple. Now, of course we're irritated by this fresh round of litigation, but let's keep it civil in the comments. The carte blanche Fanboyism that accompanies these kinds of announcements is ALMOST as annoying as the lawsuits themselves!
Theunis Jansen van R.
Fu%%*#g Apple is pissing me off!