As I write this on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I had gone to bed the night before with the news that something interesting was happening. The hashtag #BoycottApple was trending wildly on Google+. Then I woke up to find that it had spread to Twitter, Hacker News, Reddit, and so on.
The Internet is alight with outrage against Apple for winning a preliminary injunction against Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus, claiming that Samsung infringes on US patent 8,086,604. This patent basically covers the unified search feature promoted not only in Apple’s Siri, but Android as well. It was this patent, the presiding Judge Koh concluded, that enabled Apple to justify that continued sales of the Galaxy Nexus would cause “irreparable harm” to Apple, which issued a statement regarding the lawsuit:
It’s no coincidence that Samsung’s latest products look a lot like the iPhone and iPad, from the shape of the hardware to the user interface and even the packaging. This kind of blatant copying is wrong and, as we’ve said many times before, we need to protect Apple’s intellectual property when companies steal our ideas.
I, personally, take a few issues from this. First, while Samsung’s products in the past quite obviously were made to look similar to Apple’s iPhone, the Galaxy Nexus is a phone designed by Google and loaded with software directly from Google, only left to Samsung to manufacture. The Galaxy Nexus looks in no way similar to the iPhone apart from the fact that both devices share a touchscreen. Second, Apple fights very hard when companies steal its ideas, when Steve Jobs went on record saying that Apple has “always been shameless about stealing great ideas.” Quite hypocritical, I think.
So most of Apple’s lawsuits are hypocritical, but are they wrong? Should we be punishing Apple for suing other companies for infringing on its patents? No. In fact, some would argue that Apple is simply playing the system and playing to win. I think most people, including myself, would agree that the state of the patent system in the US is horrendous and is the root cause of these petty lawsuits. That’s why, when the #BoycottApple outbreak started, a few suggested something different.
The patent system in the United States as we know it today has been derailed significantly from the founding fathers’ intentions. In Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 of the US Constitution, it states this:
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.
To put things simply, patents are not in place to protect the inventor. They are in place to promote invention and innovation. Providing the incentive of exclusivity to the inventor is simply a means to provide the end (rather than vice versa).
This means that the focus of patents should be on innovation, not protection. Outright concentration on protection leads to a sheltered environment where innovation is stifled and progress is lost.
But when did the patent system lose its way? Some suggest that when “processes” were finally allowed to be patented was the defining moment. You no longer had to have a machine to present to the patent office to show that you’d created something novel. All you needed was to write down a method of doing something (e.g., sliding your finger across a touchscreen to unlock a device) and all of a sudden you were a patent owner.
This also allowed an influx of software patents to introduce themselves into the system. Eventually, the situation got to the point where it was considered that “a novel algorithm combined with a trivial physical step constitutes a novel physical device.” Basically, this means that new software loaded onto existing devices creates a completely new device, in the law’s eye.
This is obviously a problem. Now you see companies patenting left and right methods rather than machines. Our society has been reduced from sparking great inventions and innovations to squabbling over how we move our finger around to wake our devices up.
It’s all ridiculous. We need more judges to recognize this and do something serious about it.
But, what can really be done? This is probably where I say something typical like “call your congressman” or something. I don’t know. At the very least, make a point to recognize that an issue is present and something needs to be done about it. Further, let people know that you recognize this as such and want them to recognize it as well. The #BoycottApple trend was great to see, but it would be even greater if that sort of momentum could be directed toward the real root of the problem.
So let’s try to continue the trend into something even more useful. Get out onto Twitter and Google+ and the rest of your social networking toolbox to do something about it.
Give this good stuff a watch, too.
Or, you know, you could just continue being fascinated by slide-to-unlock.
sorry dude, but i m with apple as i m with google, ms or anyother company doing good stuff, i love apple
I think that Apple has overstepped it’s bounds in trying to “protect” it’s copyright. While true they have created disruption and evolved the smartphone they aren’t the ones who came up with it’s design. StarTrek TNG had a tricorder that looked and acted a lot like the iphone and for that matter the ipad. Minority Report and other movies also had similar gadgets that if truth be told Apple owes a lot to those individuals who created the visuals and created those designs. The judge who ruled on this case obviously did not know or has not been aware of the evolution of the smartphone otherwise he would have scoffed at the notion that Apple owns the copyright to the idea, form and function – they don’t. The only thing that they’ve done is gotten to the patent office before others – something that I think Tesla would affirm is paramount to making sure you have success (Tesla lost out on a copyright to Edison because of being late to register patent).
If apple truly owns the copyright and intellectual property to the entire idea of touchpad phones and devices (even though other devices had this implementation a decade BEFORE Apple); then it has truly become a monopoly. This of course will bring the Fed’s eye toward their empire which will probably suffer the same fate as Bell. I’m being facetious – really I have no idea what will or won’t happen but it is a possibility.
So the next time you use your iphone or tablet or whatever – remember that the idea actually came about before Apple even existed and Roddenberry, Asimov and others are the ones who truly invented the concept – Apple just borrowed it and made it real.
“So most of Apple’s lawsuits are hypocritical,” really? Based off of Steve jobs quoting Picasso you reach this subjective conclusion? I use the word subjective because based off of this quote it’s clear you’ve failed in attempting objectivity. Apple stole xerox”s alto parc GUI to be used in the apple lisa and Mac? Not quite, xerox didn’t really understand what they had or really how to market it at the time and apple was given permission from xerox to use the basic principles of their GUI into apples new PC’s. I’m not saying that apple hasn’t stolen an idea or two but where’s your evidence to support your statement that most of apples lawsuits are hypocritical? If you want to have a discussion regarding the sad state of copyright law in this nation I say fine but don’t make blank statements like this without supporting evidence. Copyright law Isn’t sexy enough of an issue for this site that they have to bring in some apple bashing to spice it up a bit? A sad state of affairs…..
I’m not defending apple so don’t put the fanboy label on me. I’m saying the issue alone should be enough to sell the article.
Sooo… an american judge, ruled in favor of an american company against a korean one. How’s this news?
Do you honestly think that is the problem here? Americans everywhere are in uproar about this…#BoycottApple is trending across the internet. This has nothing to do with American’s siding with Americans…Apple can go fuck themselves.
I’m disagree strongly that we would be better served throwing our energies towards getting the laws changed, Don’t get me wrong, the laws DO need to be changed, but that’s not going to happen by mere people lobbying government.
What was it; A year ago when we last convinced the government to look into reforming the patent laws? And what was the result? They made it easier for corporations to file frivolous patents, and made it so the rich corporations who could hire the best people could steal patents from others by getting their patent applications filed first. Nothing got ‘better’, if anything it’s worst now than before the ‘reform’.
No, lobbying the government to change things is only asking them to screw you over one more time.
What needs to be done is to pick an example of the worst offender of patent abuse (Apple will do nicely) and make it not worth their while to abuse patents .. then instead of the ‘mere people’ demanding that the patent system be changed, the real owners of government (corporations) will ask to have the laws fixed so they aren’t ‘forced’ to abuse them.
Apple is probably playing hard because it’s such a Google device. Never hurts to try right?
But you are right about the patent system, we should not vote to boycot apple, that would be cutting yourself in the fingers. We should ask to change the patent system.
#ChangePatents?
Apple is doing its brand a disservice. Even worse, its doing it during exponential times where negative memes are lethal.
We are basically witnessing Apple’s first post-jobs-era strategic challenge.
A disservice by defending its business?
it’s not defending it’s business. It’s abusing the flawed system to stifle innovation and competition. There’s something called business ethics you know?
Regardless of defending their service, it’s not “Apple’s” fault that the system is flawed, as outlined in the article. They’re simply using the system as others would (certainly you don’t feel bad for apple when other companies do the same to them).
It’s a good article, and good food for thought. I despised Apple for a long time, even fell on the WebOS train for a while, but ultimately I have an iPhone 4S now not because of the company, but because it was the best device at the time that I purchased. It just works. It’s not Apple’s fault that the patent system is all screwed up…anyone would use the system as others would to not only protect, but to defend their business to ensure it’s success. You can’t blame a company for trying to be successful and better than rivals, but you CAN blame a broken patent systems that lets even me say “Oh, this is my idea” and then 10 years down the road I can sue the first person that actually follows through with it for millions.
What a retarded position you take. You know once upon a time it was legal to beat/capture/enslave Africans and it really made a lot of business sense to do so. I guess those slave drivers were just nice guys working hard and it was just the loopholes in the laws that were to blame.
Give me a break. Yes it is legal what they are doing. Yes they are jerks and ethically and morally responsible. Just because you are running a company does not give you a license to act like an ass hole.
When you start calling someone else names, you’ve lost the argument.
@pirillo:disqus “When you start calling someone else names, you’ve lost the argument.” Being abrasive or foolish has no bearing on logic, even a fool can be right, your statement is fallacious.
@eagspoo:disqus Your parallel to slavery is an excellent point, slavery was an unjust law, if the argument is that the patent system is unjust, then its certainly a choice that companies and citizens make to use of those unjust laws to their own advantage. Therefore, regardless of whether or not Apple’s actions are currently legal or not, they made a choice to utilize those laws and are ultimately responsible for the harm they do to the entire culture of technology.
MS did the same thing to many other companies during their initial rein as did IBM and others, but it doesn’t make it OK. I don’t really understand the issue, Apple has the most zealous and loyal consumer base out of any company around, if they think by banning all other competing products that consumers forced to settle for their products will become as loyal, they obviously missed the point of the MS antitrust lawsuits. It’s coming just wait.
If I could cut through the vitriol, I could better respond to “eagspoo’s” assertions. They seeme to me to be more like emotional outbursts that warranted absolutely no attention.
Cop. Out.
@d1b2615d77a794e7e28e07d7798b1987:disqus issued no vitriol and you still didn’t rebut.
Rebut what, exactly – that I haven’t explained already?
Just because I don’t choose to follow a mob of users who never supported the company they now claim to be boycotting doesn’t mean that my opinion is invalid.
ohhh really you do think your comment has any value a Sucker born every second. every time you post your wisdom , a Sheep dies , hahahaha
Passion sometimes bears emotional side effects.
who gives a fuck what you think @pirillo:disqus you iTerd iSheep . sucking Tim Cook’s cock too much
You took my response and turned it into a morale right/wrong issue…which I never stated. I never said it was right or wrong, I stated that you cannot blame a business for trying to be successful using the means provided. Your parallel to slavery is an attempt to add an emotional trigger to the discussion. We all know it was wrong, but it still happened, nonetheless…because it was the system that was in place at the time.
And again, no one is angered when the small businesses (in this case) use the same method to capitalize on the fact that a company like Apple (e.g. the recent ‘iPad’ name debacle in China) will dole out $60 million simply because they had a patent on a name.
Nor was anybody angry when Nokia went after HTC a few weeks back: http://www.fosspatents.com/2012/05/nokias-patent-assertions-against-htc.html
Some people want to single out just one company and call it a day instead of elevating the conversation.
I love seeing people that don’t takes the side of iOS or Android.
IP laws are broken… its that simple In some cases they dont afford enough protection and in many, if not most, they provide far too much.
Right, and… so companies should ignore their IP until it’s fixed.
“their IP”, being the first to patent something means just that, you were the first to patent it, but calling it their IP is as if they “invented” it wrong, whether they were the first to patent it or not
I’m sorry they thought of it first. If you don’t like it, fight to change the system.
Ya, that’s right they thought of the general shape & layout, of the UI, and NOTHING can even be similar to it, despite the coding and everything that was used to create it had nothing to do with apple software what so ever.
Apple isn’t defending their product, nor are they doing anything more then showing just how shallow they are as a company when something looks similar.
What’s next? Apple starting to sue users who make custom Windows UI themes that look/preform similar to Mac OSX (*while retaining everything about windows, just re-organizing*) and getting pissed off when people charge for premium ‘advanced theme-packs’. Oh, what about custome Design packs for android tablets/phones that dress them up like Ios devices, You think that it’s ok for apple to sue those designers as well?
They’re not defending their product. They’re defending their patent. There’s a difference.
Apple pays Microsoft for some of their patents. Samsung didn’t ask nicely, apparently?
Oh, and that’s ok? I’m not saying manners don’t matter, but their patent is complete crap in this case, as what makes the phone is nothing more then samsung hardware and Google cloud like services, and a similar interface.
aka, the hipster in the playground getting pissed off because someone else looks similar to them.
If their patent was (as you put it) “complete crap,” it would not have been approved.
Maybe Samsung should’ve been a bit more… creative?
Your right and the people in the #boycottapple movement should understand that if a judge of law accepted Apple’s claims then either apple was right or theres something wrong with the patent system. Apple like any other profit based business is just using the patent system to its own advantage and its not alone… just look at nokia defending its patents!
Most people in the #BoycottApple movement are also people who #NeverBoughtAnAppleProduct.
Again? Product vs patent is nothing more then physical vs. digital.
So if this is all over patent *which apple shouldn’t have over [UI design, & access methods to external sources *coding withstanding*] as it’s far to broad to be anything but damaging.
A patent isn’t physical or digital.
If Apple believes their patent has been infringed upon, it’s their right to take it to a court of law. The judge can decide.
I, for one, believe in patent reform – including the release of all software patents.
Yep, but all you’ve done is blindly defend apple behind ‘they have their rights to defend their patent’ while avoiding what they are doing with that so called defense.
If you don’t defend your patents, you lose the ability to maintain their value in a court of law.
This isn’t Checkers – it’s chess.
So, you mean.. the same tech and software that went into that smart phone, is also in my Xoom, and other google devices, where are those patent claims on interface and how data is accessed within the device & externally though ‘cloud services’ and ‘app stores’
@Chris Pirillo You are such a fucking idiot. Just shut the fuck up, you don’t know what you are talking about.
Companies shouldn’t decide to be children and make claims that are nothing but jealous and greed. I mean, Think about if someone copy righted those ‘single drink mixes’, and sued everyone else who put powered drink mix in a small tub for single glasses 6-16oz.
Yes, this has to do with jealousy.
Then that’d make bad business, and does massive PR, along with hurting their own industry over an image that’s fading already.
Though, I can’t respect a company that’d pull this level of behavior and expect people to trust or treat them with any respect.
Sorry. I was being sarcastic.
Sarcastic or not, It does look alot like jealousy.
Though I must say. You are pretty active in defending apple, and you’ve said nothing as to what the patent was or what was really for dispute, and have only chipped in with thinks like ‘they should defend their patent’ completely ignoring they are abusing it.
How are they abusing a system? They’re defending it based upon their RIGHTS as granted to them BY the system. There’s no abuse here. Just enforcement and judgment.
Oh yep, like complete and total letter of the law has always been the best way to solve things, while using ‘broad’ wording to mean more then the patent did when it was created/claimed.
If you don’t have law, what do you have?
1) apple has a great product. they don’t even need to do this. 2) the computing world is not gonna have this kind of shit at all. 3) don’t buy apple
this just show that the people in this company is not as great as their product.,.
Care to explain what’s being disbuted, and honestly tell me that’s it’s nothing but complete crap considering who actually made the software and how it’s in every device, while not once having anything to do with apple it self.
I’m sorry, am I discussing this point with a patent / IP attorney?
So, is all your saying, that you take the name ‘patent disbute’ and assume it’s actually something more then just ‘look alike’ and should be overturned.
Though if it isn’t all this does is open the flood gates for apple to attack google over cloud services, and the touch-screen layout of the android devices(phones/tablets) because they have such loose patents that it could be interpreted into something of a nasty weapon.
I’m saying that a patent can be protected.
While I’m saying their patent is far to broad and complete trash. I agree that their coding, and exact ways they access cloud services, data, & internal functions within their devices should be covered. Though what they are doing is nothing more then a broad attack using a patent that’s far to open to POV.
This patent should NOT be upheld, and should be re-defined so as it is more clear to avoid bs law suits like this.
Patents are patents are patents.
Your point? You are just hiding behind the word, without seeing what’s it’s being used for. SO you want people to actually respect you as a tech person, how about you actually stop hiding behind general statements and round about touge in apples defense and actually dig into the details.
Just saying, Pantents are pantents are patents, is just like saying morals are morals are morals, when it’s about some person using their morals to harm someone else.
Dude. Learn about the patent system before you start talking about it again?
Oh, You mean, that something has to violate a patent, then a claim filled, and the whole process that could take months to years to sort it self out, with arguments and counter points, and facts ‘spun to purpose’ on both sides, no matter if the patent was truly violated or not.
Ya that’s the general legal system when it comes to that, is who is the most believable with more supporting evidence, and when it comes to more design/Interactive/software, it’s who’s got the most money, and the best side for people to believe, because it could be argued that all the software patents have been violated. *as nothing truly new has come out for such a long time, and it’s all been one take on something after another.*
Though, What I said is right. You are doing nothing but excusing the actions of a company because they ‘can’ pull a legal action, despite having a legit claim or not it still has to go through the legal system and can take a while and do damage to the company on either side.
I’m not excusing anything.
I’m seeing the law be obeyed.
your seeing the law as obeyed because Apple is pulling nothing less then a dick move with nothing more then a phone with a similar UI as an iphone using google software through and through.
How is defending one’s patents a “dick move?”
Oh, it’s how they are using it to apply to the samsung nexus.
They aren’t defending a patent, they are using it broadly worded and pulling a legal move they don’t have a claim to. That’s the dick move.
They’re defending a patent, or they wouldn’t be doing anything in a court of law.
Oh, that’s so not true. Any legal claim can be filed, it’s their patent that is broadly worded enough to allow it to be something more then ‘wtf is wrong with you apple’
Just because a legal claim is filed, doesn’t mean there is actually something there.
No, if the judge throws it out, there’s nothing there.
Not always true, Though as stated and you know perfectly well, the patent that Apple is claiming is so broad, it’s easily abused to something that was never intended.
The reason it’s a “dick move” is simple. They stirred up a mess where no mess existed. They caused a problem where no problem was. Companies were happily innovating based on each other’s example all the time. Apple was doing it too. But they decided it was somehow wrong for others to do it back.
It’s not that they’re defending their patent, it’s that they’re defending their patent while stealing other people’s patents. (Check out that Google notification tray patent, by all means.)
Welcome to patent wars, which have been going on for a while now…
Yeah, they have been. Since Apple started them. Half the lawsuits right now are Apple suing people, the other half is those companies retaliating back.
LOL. Okay.
You do realize when the Patent Office was established, right?
You do recognize the difference between patents existing, and the smartphone patent hurricane that Apple set off, right? It’s like the difference between the US developing the first nuke, and some crazy dictator (Steve Jobs) starting the nuclear holocaust.
Apple didn’t start the fire.
The company / companies that infringed on Apple’s patent(s) did.
You can’t expect me to respect you when you wrote that?
Google “Samsung F700″. Looks like an iPhone, came first. The unified search patent that Apple’s using on the Nexus… that’s how Google Search works. It’s worked that way since before the iPOD was invented.
They didn’t invent anything they’re claiming was stolen from them.
So, maybe Samsung should’ve been a bit more careful.
They still infringed on patents according to one judge.
Sorry. Take it up with the judge – not me.
You’re obsessed with arguing for the merits of a broken system. One that everyone’s known was broken, but only Apple saw fit to abuse.
The law’s the law.
I’d hate to break it.
Have you considered, that while it’s Apple’s legal ability to be a group of first-class douchebags, it’s our right as consumers to disapprove of how they do business, and stop giving them our money?
If you’re going to argue that “whatever’s legal is right”, then you should shut up and go away about the boycott.
Sure. When did YOU give ‘em your money?
We have three iPods, an iPhone, an iPad, and a MacBook Pro. Your point?
The point is, legally (which is your argument): Apple is in the clear, and we are in the clear. But clearly, you’ve sided with Apple on fanboy grounds. The fact that you’re solely concerned with what’s legal rather than what’s right, moral, or good for either innovation or the economy speaks volumes about who you are as a person. I will remember it clearly, and place you squarely among the people I have little to no respect for.
Now I am going to bed. Good night.
Obeying the law doesn’t get you fined.
“Right” is relative.
You don’t like Apple? Sell your stake.
Chris, I will tell you how.
How come we don’t see the same exact lawsuit against every single other Android phone? This is about the Android OS, not the physical phone, why is it against the Samsung phone and not every one of them? Because Samsung’s phone is selling the most, that’s why. So singling out the one phone that is the most threat to you is a “dick move” to sue them for patent infringement and not everyone, if you are really into protecting your patent and that is sincerely what you are after, sue all of them, you have enough cash…
Since when is a “business move” considered a “dick move?”
You said in your comment just above, “How is defending one’s patent a ‘dick move’”
Now in reply to me, it’s become a business move. Interesting… LOL
I was commenting on it being a protection of one’s patent and if that were the case, why aren’t they protecting the patent against every phone that infringes?
I still wasn’t the person who called it a “dick move.”
Business is business – profit is profit.
When did I ever accuse you of calling it a “dick move”? The other poster said it was, you disagreed and I just brought another side to how it could be considered a “dick move”. That is all.
Chris, you’re a cool dude, look in the mirror and repeat after me “I am not a douche” then come back to your PC and stop acting like one.
Ad hominem attacks don’t bolster your position in this “discussion,” and it doesn’t change the fact that a “business move” ≠ “dick move.”
Chris, I think the proverb about pearls and swine has become relevant here.
Hey Chris, What do you think of my other comment about Phone manufacturers shipping phones with a basic android os installed devoid of the infringing items Apple is suing over then when the customer is setting up the phone they are asked to download the FULL OS with everything?
Is that possible? Would that still be an infringement on Apple’s patents? What, whom could Apple sue for customers being given something for free after a purchase of the phone?
They’re not at threat.
“When you run out of innovation, result to litigation”. Usually I agree with Chris’s thoughts and his reasons, but there is no reason on this one. I see a problem with the patent that was granted, I began to read through the patent itself and noticed it’s primary function is to help speed up searches and make them more relevant for the user (unless I missed something which is totally a probability as my PC geek rating is -15). Unless there was a direct stealing of code, isn’t that the basis of all search fuctions? I see 21 claims that sounds like the base for all search functions, whether browser or PC based, correct? The base of all things comes down to a very simple format, what you add is what makes the product unique. It’s one thing to say soil + water + sun = grapes = wine, it’s quite another to actually do it. So unless there was actual code stolen/used, I don’t know how this judge could side with Apple.
Patents, once established, may be defended.
If Apple believes that its market position is threatened, it is going to use whatever force necessary to mitigate that problem for its shareholders. Any corporation would consider the same. If you fault Apple for trying to win, fault every company for trying to win.
Car salesmen…. You’re right they’re never dicks trying to rip off customers… its just a business move.
Business is profit, not happy fun time.
a Jack Ass Sucker is a
Jack Ass Sucker is a
Jack Ass Sucker
Law aside, making your customers hate you is kinda a disservice to your brand.
I don’t think most of their customers will hate them. Most of their customers won’t care.
Or will blindly defend them like you are.
Blindly, clearly.
But the effect is cumulative. Apple has been gradually losing market share in some fashion for the last two years against Google. If a half of one percent switch due to this, and they do nothing, it’s a half of one percent they won’t get back.
Apple is in a RIM position, even if not everyone wants to admit it yet. They’ve stopped coming out with innovative stuff, started playing catchup, and they’re no longer the big dog anymore. RIM had a *lot* of money, and a *lot* of market share, well after they started going downhill, along with a massive amount of loyal fans. Apple can’t afford to customers, they need to keep every one they can.
There is no #1 in a race that never ends.
And when you’re #1, there’s nowhere to go but…
Point is… if they want to even stay number two in the near future, they can’t afford to lose people.
(They haven’t been number one in well over a year, close to two.)
What’s your point? NO company can afford to lose people.
Then does that not clearly point out the effectiveness of #boycottapple?
I’m not the one who claimed that Apple can’t afford to lose people.
that is why they are left with lawsuits. because there is nothing to make that other competitors have made.,.
but what about the new customer.
The new customer isn’t following this thread, either. Moreover, even if they were, you have to remember that people have extremely short attention spans. This is a tempest in a teapot for a sub-section of those who happen to think their personal choice in gadgets is a religion to be defended to the death.
are you by birth that much retarded !
Yes, and apparently having a command of the English language and syntax clearly illustrates it.
yet you don’t have any command on tech, very sad
Yes, very sad… indeed.
Lets see if you practice what you preach.. Defending it’s business? Many of apples “Key” Features are often concepts that predated the iphone and are patened I’m sure we’ve seen the image comparing the android to the iphone in terms of dates of features.
Voice typing, android brought this out in 2010
apple 2012 with the ipad
Quick responses?
Android 2011
Apple 2012
The apple notification
Apple 2011
Android 2009 And android has a patent on it.
So, if Google wanted to use its power, it would. The onus is on Google.
As far as comparing iOS to Android goes, why don’t you talk to someone who has been stuck on Gingerbread since the announcement of Jelly Bean?
No doubt, the features are strikingly similar – and I have every belief that Google Now is fantastically better than Siri (can’t wait to try it on my Nexus 7 on-order) – but first isn’t really a bragging right. Apple was the first to eschew Flash, and now Google’s doing the same. Whoop-de-doo.
This is why i enjoy living in canada
Here Apple would never win sutch silly bs.
And of course everywhere else in the world.
Enjoy it americans, soon you will be forced to use apple only hardware
Yeah, this obviously leads to tyranny.
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http://chris.pirillo.com/
http://twitter.com/chrispirillo
http://facebook.com/chrispirillo
http://youtube.com/chrispirillo
What are you talking about?! The Canadian government allows things like this all the time, along with OTHER unsavory governmental practices like silencing the media. I live here too.
It’s easy to hate on Apple. It’s easy to paint Samsung as the victim like Apple is running around suing everything that moves…
It’s easy to ignore that Samsung was attempting the same thing with European Patent law:
http://blog.laptopmag.com/apple-must-pay-for-infringing-samsung-3g-patent-dutch-court-finds?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+laptopmag+%28LAPTOP+Magazine+-+The+Pulse+of+Mobile+Technology%29
“The Hague District Court found that the Apple indeed uses some of Samsung’s 3G-related technology in both the iPhone and the iPad, and accordingly, the Cupertino company will have to pony up some cash to its rival.”
It goes on…
“In this case, the court ruled that the patent’s FRAND classification prevents Samsung from seeking a sales ban on the Apple products in the Netherlands, even though Apple was ruled to be infringing on Samsung’s IP.”
Samsung is fighting the EXACT same game in the EXACT same way as Apple.
I dare say no boycott will be called on Samsung by those who call for #BoycottApple.
Hypocrisy lives everywhere.
Bingo.
Ok…
Then showed me a hardware related patent for smartphone that originally invented by APPLE that helped the advancement of smartphone industries…
The burden of proof isn’t on Johnny, Clifford.
Samsung Electronics:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Electronics
“Founded in 1938 as a food-processing and textile purveyor, the parent group entered the electronics business as late as 1969 when it created an electronic component subsidiary. The decision to found the subsidiary was based upon the fast-growing domestic demand for electronic goods at the time.
In 1970, one year after its founding, the Samsung Group established another subsidiary, Samsung-NEC, jointly with Japan’s NEC Corporation to manufacture home appliances and audiovisual devices. In 1974, the group expanded into the semiconductor business by acquiring Korea Semiconductor, one of the first chip-making facilities in the country at the time.”
That’s right… “by acquiring Korea Semiconductor”
The countersuits against Apple were largely reactionary, with the exception of Motorola whose first lawsuit, IIRC, pre-dates Apple’s. Unfortunately, FRAND patents were used in the process, an indefensible response as manufacturers tried to draw water from a rock.
Is anyone here defending Samsung/etc. use of FRAND patents?
Do you go around accusing activists of hypocrisy because they speak about *every* party involved? “How hypocritical, you show support for this charity organization but ignore all the other ones!”
The patent wars were started by Apple, and is the ostentatious precursor to the entire charade. When the instigator stops, the other companies have no reason to continue their countersuits that involve the obviously inappropriate FRAND patents they were forced to use.
*Dancy, dancy, let’s dance around the issue with accusations of hypocrisy*
Chris PIRILLO???
I will never believe on your rebuttal especially in your gadgets explanations that ALWAYS pro-APPLE…
APPLE NEVER INVENTED ANYTHING… thats a fact!!!
They steal, bought & copied OTHER REAL INVENTION then they repackaged, enhanced and market it so good…
I will debate with you about technology anytime and anywhere, CHRIS PIRILLO…
Okay.
Calm down.
Collect your evidence.
I will…
Wheres yours???
I’m not the one trying to prove anything.
To why some or most of your tech. Gadget reviews or cover ALWAYS apple is the best & its like they were the one who made. This & that 1st???
Then, why defend APPLE especially when they are litigating for a very elementary patent of look & feel before…
Theres a lot I need to cover here to ask you, but the main thing is – you are like a paid shills by APPLE…
Why do “some?” Because we’re balanced?
Based on many personal survey i did…
Starting this year, most people I know that loves APPLE – hate them mow because of too much time in the court than innovating…
But, most tech sites that is being paid by APPLE will say the other side of the coin…
I have tons of questions & factual rebuttal now but i have a flight to catch…
Have a great night…
Uh huh. Pretty scientific.
Like you did better.
I never claimed that I polled people I knew.
Again, the onus isn’t on me to prove ANYTHING. I know how the patent system works, and I know what a company can risk if it doesn’t defend its patents.
Though it’s on you because you haven’t done anything but make generalized word claims trying to make what apple did ok.
Apple applied for patents. That’s okay.
Samsung also applied for patents. That’s okay.
Here’s what I love about guys like Clifford… They only see Apple as Steve Jobs… There was another Steve your know…
US Patent No. 4,136,359 — “Microcomputer for use with video display”
(for which Steve Wozniak was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame).
May I direct your attention to:
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4,136,359.PN.&OS=PN/4,136,359&RS=PN/4,136,359
If you couldn’t be bothered reading it, I’ll summarize:
Inventors:Wozniak; Stephen G. (Cupertino, CA)Assignee:Apple Computer, Inc. (Cupertino, CA)
“APPLE NEVER INVENTED ANYTHING… thats a fact!!!”… no sir, that is hyperbole… I have attached a link to Wikipedia to explain what this is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperbole
Enjoy your day
tr.v. in·vent·ed, in·vent·ing, in·vents
1. To produce or contrive (something previously unknown) by the use of ingenuity or imagination.
2. To make up; fabricate: invent a likely excuse.
ZING!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_tablet_computers
Yeah, they must’ve stolen the code to make Retina displays work.
Chris,
Branding is an integral part of business. Apple’s brand has always been that of a ground breaking innovator, since the dawn of desktop computing. Apple never used to be perceived as about being overly defensive (bar response to Microsoft re. Windows) to the point of being perceived as innovation stiflers.
Innovators out innovate the competition, and this is actually what Apple has done successfully for many years.
Apple should compete against Google and Samsung. That’s where many of us would like the company to spend its energy and capital.
Apple’s never been on top before.
They were on top with the iPod product line.
I’m NOT pro samsung or pro APPLE but i am for who really invented REAL TECHNOLOGY not a patent that was just copied, stolen & bought by 1 company, like APPLE.
Even a very elementary patent of look & feel was being used by APPLE…
Are you aware that Google has “bought” dozens and dozens of companies – including Motorola – just to get access to their patent portfolio?
I know…
Did i defend GOOGLE?
But GOOGLE is using their dozens of patents to sue APPLE in so many countries NOW???
I have products from different companies & i’m NOT defending anyone of them.
I’m for the consumer perspective NOT a retarded fanboy of any companies who wants to STOP other competitions…
You shouldn’t resort to ad hominem attacks. It diminishes your position.
It’s not like Apple didn’t offer an olive branch: http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/03/apple-patent-licensing-deal-for-android.html
Hahahaha,
Sorry if i laugh because APPLE wants samsung pay for their patents BUT doesnt want to pay samsung on their much needed element for an smartphone – 3g…
Apple wants money from other companies NUT doesnt want to pay those more importants aspects (patents) of a phone…
Give me one very important essential patent that a smartphone needed that APPLE owns…
Sorry for typo…
I cannot edit using the new ipad…
Odd. Usually the iPad would autocorrect “ipad” to “iPad.”
Not on on lockergnome…
Try to use the new ipad then get back to me…
K?
I use it every day.
So, why in your site it doesnt auto correct ipad???
Then when going to edit, its impossible to scroll to the word you like to change.
We have 3 ipads (original, 2 & new ipad) and i tried to used it here and its slow and its very hard to edit…
Heh. Patent wars are nothing new.
Absolutely correct on that one Chris; however, they bought the companies to access the patent portfolio so they couldn’t be retrospectively sued by Apple again. Google have counter sued against Apple and occasionally Microsoft using the patents Google have registered and bought, however have not instigated any of the “patent wars”. Google even gave some patents to HTC so that they could defend themselves against Apple.
Have you not noticed that it is Apple raising the majority of the litigation? You don’t hear about Google suing Samsung or HTC over any of it’s hardware designs, neither do you hear of patent wars between Samsung, HTC, Motorola and Nokia. I’m sure there are a few, but nothing noteworthy.
A good 90% of the cases are bought about by Apple against “company x”, and a good number of these are over patents Apple have bought and ‘features’ that were in use before the patent itself had been registered. In the case of the multi-touch use of pinch and twist, before Apple even existed.
This is where I suspect the backlash against Apple has originated from.
I for one prefer an Android device over and Apple device anyway, not for any dislike for the way Apple operate, nor would I class myself as an Android fanboy. My preference is purely that, I personally, find then easier to use, do what I want them to do; and when they don’t, I can make then do what i want them to do
I appreciate this analysis, but I think it is incorrect. Apple had the choice of allowing competition, or using a legal cheat to squash their competition’s offering. Given that goodwill is a very large part of Apple’s value, I think they played the wrong hand.
Since when was “goodwill” a part of Apple’s plan?
There I agree with you, actually. Apple’s always been on the dark side of morality.
No company has a clean nose.
True. But there’s kind of scummy, there’s evil, there’s the oil companies, and then way down at the bottom of the barrel, there’s Apple.
Google’s in there. Microsoft’s in there. Every company is in there.
Don’t pick and choose.
Microsoft: Massive charitable contributions on a scale few can match.
Google: Developing technology like smart cars that will save millions of lives.
Apple: Has the largest bankroll of them all, spends it giving their rich investors more money.
Sorry, I see a difference.
Microsoft is just as public a company as Google is just as public a company as Apple.
They all have shareholders. You wanna change things? Get them to dump the stock.
But strangely, Microsoft and Google both make their investors money without being tools, and while actually benefiting society. Why is it so hard for Apple to behave itself and still make it’s investors money?
Really? Have you seen Microsoft’s stock lately… say, the past decade?
I had no idea Chris Pirillo was such a sad individual
Yes, I’m sad.
In an accounting sense, goodwill is shorthand for “company’s reputation with its customers”. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodwill_(accounting)
Apple is and always will be a profit-based company. In the interest of profit they need to defend their profits and send a message to competitors that they should license the patents or suffer the consequences. #changepatents
Every company is a profit-based company.
Even non-profits are profitable.
Not sure if Chris P is trying to play devils advocate or actually speaking his opinion. Chris always says on his videos that competition is good for consumers.. Seems like a monopoly is being planned by apple. Enjoyed the back and forth lets keep it up !
I have an idea. What if Android phones shipped with a basic Android OS without the infringing items Apple is suing over, then when the purchaser of the phone signs in to the phone for the very first time, the phone goes and gets an update of the entire OS which includes everything Apple is complaining about?
The phone was sold without any of the infringing items and therefore can’t be banned, android OS is free, and it is being given to the user and user is not charged for it. Basically all the consumer bought was the hardware. Does this scenario solve everything?
Would like to see the flaws with this, I’m sure if there are any, someone here will point them out.
Only possible problem I can see is a licensing issue from the GNU/GPL under which Android is licensed. If I’m correct, it would prevent the use of other-licensed IP. But I very well could be wrong. And if I am, then by all means, let’s do this.
Sure, Apple should protect it’s business; it has that right to do so. However, when protecting their business means buying a patent so that they can retrospectively sue another company over a feature that pre-dates them owning a patent, or have patented an idea they have essentially stolen/copied in the first place, that is simply morally and ethically wrong. Therefore
#BoycottApple
That’s why companies (like Google) buy patents – or buy companies that have patents.
I call all of this apple events attempted monopoly.
This annoys me personally as I am somebody who loves not only Google and Apple, but technology in general. It irritates me that Apple would pick up on something as petty as this. I could understand if they caught a major company like Samsung selling actual fake iPhones (as many companies in Asia appear to do,) but the Galaxy Nexus is a different device. They look similar? Well, yes. They’re two of a kind, slate phones that are designed to fit the hand and face. If Apple demanded that all other companies make their future phones look like tubas I think we’d be in trouble.
And I think that Apple is doing itself a disservice as stated by @kidehen:disqus. I think that Apple was always popular for being the alternative to Microsoft’s hard-nosed businessman approach and now they just aren’t. This isn’t a bad thing, necessarily, but the company is going to alienate a lot of users. Also, as stated above I am a lover of technology. I want to see these companies duke it out with their devices and not silly bits of paper claiming that they made something first. If Apple wants to outsell the competition, it should make the best device. I personally prefer Google’s Android OS (though I do love iOS) but would switch if Apple gave me a good reason to.
I do agree about the patenting of process, though. Say, for example, a mathematician was sued for basing a thesis on the work of another mathematician. As Isaac Newton said: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” If technology developers have to start from scratch each time they create something, the whole system will slow down exponentially.
Hahaha. GOT to love Chris Pirillo even more after the argument in the comments for this post! Apple haters should just go away. There’s no justification for spending money on terrible android products.
Well, that Nexus 7 is on its way to my house.
Well that’s because of who you are and your compulsion to buy new shiny things. God damn, I’m trying to side with you here! xD
As far as I see it, Google itself is a stolen brand. Yes, they’re the best search engine anywhere on the internet, but that wasn’t enough. They decided they needed more information about their users so they decided the best way to do that was to physically track their movements. The idea of Android was born. They then realised the didn’t know how to make phones, so they called on someone who did, Samsung. They THEN realised they didn’t know what phones to make, so they stole phones that were already popular and stole a UI that was already popular. There, simple, right? It doesn’t stop with Android. The recently released Google Drive proves Google’s jealousy of other popular products. Google Drive is practically identical in every way to Dropbox. I literally cannot find any differences. Well I can, Google claims to own everything you put it in. Dropbox does not. Over the past two years I’ve learnt to hate Google more and more. They seem to spew out new products every day in a hope that one of them will become profitable. I’ll still stick by Google for my online searching habits but I will never EVER buy into ANYTHING Google. EVER.
From now till the day we all die, Google and Samsung will continue to team up to:
A.) Steal concepts of successful products.
B.) Make them 10 times worse.
C.) Practically give them away for tuppence.
Bring on the hate comments!
It just makes me laugh mostly at clear Android lovers’ comments. You’ve brain washed yourselves into justifying what the likes of Google and Samsung are doing. You’re desperately trying to find ways of telling yourself that paying into stolen goods is okay. If your friend tried to sell you a car that they specifically told you they had stolen, would you buy it?
What device do you use? and your comment is that of a blinded person who really doesn’t have any clue what they are speaking about.
The iPod saved Apple from being a footnote in history and that was a stolen idea, you should do your research before you embarrass your name
If you really want to see brainwashed, look in the mirror, and find out who Kane Kramer is?
U MAD?
Well your name is gay.
Duh.
You’re faulting any market leader from doing anything legal to maintain position?
That’s when THIS climb started – not from another era.
One thing that has torqued me for the last number of years concerning computer lawsuits and especially software, are the people (in this case Apple) who say they’ve created a product and now everyone under the sun has copied it. Using their stupid logic I think Ford ought to sue every auto manufacturer on Earth. After all, Ford created a 4-wheel vehicle, that runs on gas and moves you from point “A” to point “B”. Obviously, every other manufacturer has copied that and somebody owes Ford a lot of money. Then these other manufacturers should be put out of business after paying up.
What I find even dumber are the software lawsuits where they say, “Bob’s software has a button on it like OUR software!” Oh get over yourself!
Ever followed any tech RSS feed? Patent filing… Lawsuit…. Patent Filing… Lawsuit… So much effort, time, and money, piled into fighting each other rather developing new tech. There used to be a world where we didn’t sue each other for the smallest of things, but those days are long gone, and we have become a culture of no win no fee.
Apple has the total right to protect it’s patents, because that is the law. Anyone else would do the same, simple. From the grocery store on the corner to the multi-billion global business, you protect what you have.
Boycott Apple? Why stop there, boycott Samsung, Microsoft, Google, Sony…. makes no sense. Boycott the Patent law which has created this eco-system.
Now i’m off to patent C F G and kill music
While I agree with this post I don’t think that “…some would argue that Apple is simply playing the system and playing to win.” should be an excuse for Apple. Just because the system is broken, doesn’t mean Apple shouldn’t have a moral obligation to not take advantage.
If an old woman falls down and I steal her purse rather than helping her up, feel free to punch me in the face… HARD!!!
While I agree with this post I don’t think that “…some would argue that Apple is simply playing the system and playing to win.” should be an excuse for Apple. Just because the system is broken, doesn’t mean Apple shouldn’t have a moral obligation to not take advantage.
If an old woman falls down and I steal her purse rather than helping her up, feel free to punch me in the face… HARD!!!
I totally agree with you Kem, what a wonderful world that would be. But i don’t think morality is high on these companies agenda, esp when it’s down to protecting profits.
I don’t think boycotting is really a good idea. Keep in mind that majority of Apple’s work force is made up of retail employees who have nothing to do with the decisions corporate does or does not do. And, although the boycott is hypothetical, editorial or even just a whim.. the only people that would pay for it hypothetically, would be the retail employees and the number of hours per week they’d be cut.
If Monsanto can patent genetic material, which defies pretty much everything the patent system was designed to handle, there is no way that companies like Apple are going to just ignore the loopholes that Big Business continues to exploit.
This certainly isn’t the biggest (or most offensive) patent poo-poo that’s out there. It’s hilarious to me the things that people will grab on and ride.
WOW. . . OMG. . .
I’ve never seen someone take on nearly every single comment the way Chris Pirillo has here with such a one sided delusional view of things. . . . now I’ve clearly seen a true apple apologist in action. . . to the nth degree.
It’s like watching a religious zealot go at it with. . . well, anyone who disagrees.
Everyone is one-sided, sir. Including yourself.
So you do agree that you’re one-sided then. Apple sided that is.
The thing is, people get annoyed at your comments because it is VERY one sided.
I’ll present you with the
Apple side:
1. Apple has rights on a patent. The judge thought it was a valid case. And based on the law, it is a valid case. Other companies infringed patents by Apple. Apple has a right to sue.
Non-apple side
1. The things Apple has a patent on are on most smart phones today. They are targeting only the Galaxy Nexus manufactured by rival company Samsung and produced by rival company Google. To the normal people of the world, it seems like Apple does not want competition. This is the reason for #BoycottApple. People see it as Apple not playing fair, even though it is fair by law.
2. Apple has also infringed on patents. One notable example is the iOS5 notification system. This system has been with Android since 2009 and it is patented. They infringed on the patent. Now, it looks like Apple is hypocritical. Another reason for #BoycottApple.
Now let’s sum this all up in the perspective of people who don’t care. They are the ones who are least biased.
“Well, Apple has a legal backing. Other companies are infringing their patents. So I don’t think there’s anything wrong with following the law and protecting their patents.
But on the other hand, Apple is also infringing on other companies’ patents. So this does seem a bit hypocritical.
They’re also only targeting their main competitor in the market. It seems like they just don’t want to have competition at all. They want their phone to be the only phone of that caliber in the market. Seems like Apple isn’t playing like a sport.”
Conclusion
1. Apple is right based on the law.
2. The law isn’t the only factor. Morals and ethics also play a part in it.
3. People give priority to morals and ethics when making decisions.
4. #BoycottApple was born.
Morals and ethics. Feh.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Google
Yeah, Apple’s the only one with “ethical” issues. Gimme a break.
Funny when someone speaks the TRUTH about Apple, the faboys get all up in arms about it! I’ve never owned Apple products, and never will. I can, and do spend my money more wisely. Apple is a marketing company, that has always been very good at it, that sells shiny, overhyped, overpriced hardware.
You’ve never owned any Apple products, so that makes you the expert.
Does judge Koch use an iPhone or any Apple products? If so will that be a conflict of interest?
Ultimately all this patent nonsense will damage the US economy, and the US will be left behind in technology terms. What will inevitably happen now is that Samsung will try to stop the iPhone5 being sold in the US, using patent law. So you won’t be able to buy the two best phones in the US, whilst the rest of the world motors on (patent law isn’t as ludicrous in most other countries). Why do you think the Samsung Galaxy S3 was released in Europe first? It’s all going to end in tears, and I just hope it doesn’t take years to realise how much permanent damage this is doing. It may then be too late.
Without protection you will have no invention.
Apple just the other day got a patent that they can use to ban the Google glasses >.> and apple doesn’t even have project glasses while Google has been working on them for the past year.
You can patent an idea but never commercially develop the idea. Google idea for glasses may be entirely different than Microsoft’s. It doesn’t matter. Microsoft is not obligated to ask Google what they are working on. Google wouldn’t tell them anyways. There have been lots of cases in history where someone patents something that others have been working on.
I understand that but the fact that Apples patent carries a description of how the information is to be displayed that is very closely similar to that of the Google Project glasses could mean an infringement by apple latter down the road. Sort of like what they did with Siri in Uniform search which was a prior art
It’s like Mike Elgan said:
http://www.cultofmac.com/177786/why-the-boycott-apple-movement-is-dumb/
“Patents are a zero sum game. If Apple doesn’t apply for and then defend a patent, someone else will and ban Apple products. Those are the rules.”
“And so in order to defend itself, companies like Apple play by the rules because to not do so would be suicide.”
If you don’t like what Apple’s doing, you have to reform the entire system or you are indirectly supporting another company going after Apple’s jugular – and that’s equally as “abusive” (not my word).
The tallest nail always gets pounded.
If Google was abusing the patent system i would turn against them in a heart beat, im not supporting one company over the other im supporting my freedom as a consumer to be able to choose which product i favor and not for another company to effect my decision by getting rid of all the alternatives. If Apple was protecting itself from future litigation’s on patent infringement then why are they only targeting products that are effecting their sales ? uniformed search is found on pretty much any mobile device considering its a prior art, even in windows phones which are not only integrated with Bing but applications within the system as well. I have seen this happen over and over with Apple, again and again, first it was the Labor at Foxconn, every loyal iPhan would justify that this happens with other manufacturers also, yes that might be true but the conditions at Foxconn are much more severe than anywhere else. Then there was that whole 4g mishap on the iPad that would not work outside of North America, which apple claimed to do as one of the main features in its selling point. Now its the patent abuse, once again iPhans are trying to justify this by arguing its in self defense, self defense from what? nobody has even taken action against apple in court that dealt with the iPhone prior to these events. Apple at this point is just rolling the dice, taking other company’s to court on numerous litigation’s and hoping one stick’s which in some cases it does depending on which judge they get. Since the Samsung event, Apple has even taken HTC once again to court on 5 new patent’s that the court just threw out. At what point are you apple fans going to stop justifying everything this company does and say enough is enough, when they have completely dragged you into their ecosystem and have dictated all of your consumer choices? The Patent system is at fault here also but it doesn’t mean apple should abuse it just because they can, just because the labor laws oversees are blurred doesnt mean apple should abuse it till someone confronts them. Sort of how you shouldn’t kill someone, you don’t need a law to tell you that’s wrong.
So, admonish Apple for protecting its business interests. Makes sense.
Here is a Scenario : Say a company is committing accounting fraud, and one of their employees finds out and plans to tell everyone because its the right thing to do, in your thinking process that company should kill that person to protect their business and it wouldn’t be illegal until proven in a court of law
accounting fraud is NOT equal to patent law.
Im not saying it is, i used it as an example, the point i was trying to make is that even though something is not a law it doesn’t mean its right or justified even if it was to protect a business interest. here’s an even better example. In the 1700′s African Americans were enslaved and traded for a profit and it was legal because know where in the law did it say they couldn’t do that( those people where protecting their buisness interests also) , it dint become illegal till later in the late 1800′s , so in you’re thinking process the same way you justified apples abuse of the patent system because they are protecting their business interests, the act isn’t wrong till the law says it is >.> just like how i pointed out in the last comment that killing someone isn’t wrong until it is proven ? The law is full of loopholes and is know where close to being perfect that’s why we use our common sense and moral decisions to decide for ourselves and that’s how laws come into existence in the first place
Right. I’ve always been public about my support for patent reform.
Yes i have too that’s why im opposing Apple and their abuse of the Patent systems loopholes. just because it isn’t a law yet doesn’t mean its right its like saying murder, rape, and slavery are all justifiable offenses till they are made illegal. If Apple really cared about their business Interests as well as the interest of us as a consumer they would of helped and pushed to fight patent reform which would have not only protected their business but also our consumer freedom, instead they are just abusing it till someone says they cant.
Like Elgan, I see the issues as systemic. Change the system. They’re not abusing any system – they’re using it per their rights to use it.
Defending a patent (no matter it’s perceived capriciousness) is not abuse. One day, IP law will be reformed and software patents will cease to exist. That day is not today, sadly.
Well said, but sad, some people would never see it that way, when one is too close-minded to see the damage that it’s causing the industry as a whole
So what do you suggest Apple do? Not patent the idea at all? Or should Apple ask Google if it would be okay with them if they patented it? Or should Apple ask Google if they are working on something like it and if they are not patent it?
Compelling and disturbing. Being a heavy Apple user I am disappointed in their tactics. You hit it on the head (and Alex Lindsay worked along the same lines in Episode 306 of Macbreak Weekly) in saying the system is flawed. Apple is not alone in this – as many companies are buying up patents and suing. I do wish ethics played a larger role in this – though that may seem naive of me to suggest.
@madjayhawk in some way I would agree with you, but after watching this video I can see there are other ways to approaching innovation and invention…http://on.ted.com/i1cJ
This guy talks about an idea of ‘Open Hardware’, and it’s amazing to me what he and many others around the world have achieved all collaborating on one project freely. Very ethical, and no squabbling!
It’s the mindset of how all big businesses approach invention that needs to change if you want to introduce ethics and morals into the industry, not just Apple, Google, or Microsoft. However the driver for the guy in the video is cleaning up the oceans, the driver for big business is money, and there lies the problem. Being ethical and moral doesn’t make you any money, does it?
Patent are in place to protect the inventor and increase innovation.
Yea except in this case a company is taking other peoples ideas patenting them and then using it against them in the court of law
Actually just yesterday apple got a patent that they can use to ban the Google glasses
And you spoke the truth so no on can come in and defend against your point
Patents are not in place to protect the inventor but to promote invention and innovation???! Do your research man. Patents promote innovation precisely BECAUSE they protect the inventor! Patent-heavy industries like pharmaceuticals are the most stable ones with high barriers for entry. A LOT of research and development goes into these products and R&D is extremely expensive because it takes a really long time to develop these types of products. The patents are in place so that the people who invested a shitload of time and money in the development of a product are protected from copycats, at least for a couple of years until they have paid for their R&D. Nobody would want to do R&D anymore if they could have their products copied before they’ve even had a chance to benefit from the sales of the final product and get some return on their investment. Honestly, do you guys all think corporations are charities who should not be allowed to make a profit? How do you propose to earn your money then? Or should we all go back to hunting and gathering? Really.