Wednesday March 10, 2010
Apple's patent lawsuit might change smartphone pecking order
Apple patent lawsuit against HTC has Android handset manufacturers running for the hills- hiring legal teams, revising OS strategies, sending hardware back to engineering, and changing development roadmaps, according to CNN’s Fortune.
Apple COO Tim Cook send out warnings back in 09’, stating “we will not stand for having our IP ripped off and we’ll use whatever weapons we have at our disposal. I don’t know that I can be more clear than that.” 09’ was relatively quiet and Apple sat back during the launch of the Pre and other smartphones that did not tread on multitouch territory.
When the HTC Droid Eris, Nexus One and the Motorola Droid popped up with their good looks and potential multi-touch capability, Apple immediately started the suits. The first target is HTC and other manufacturers are worried that they’ll be next as Apple reportedly held talks to announce their ‘intentions’.
In the entire battlefield, Microsoft might profit from Windows Phone 7 and its extensive patent library. With the Android coming under attack, manufacturers might run over to Microsoft to seek shelter for their mobile devices.
Related Stories:
Nokia raises the stakes in Apple patents lawsuit
Nokia could seek up to $1 billion for iPhones: analysts
Apple, AT&T settle lawsuit over iPhone feature
Suit accuses Apple, AT&T of monopoly
Apple sues HTC over phones with Google software
Kodak sues Apple, RIM over digital camera patents
Apple countersues Nokia
Source: CNN Fortune
