Quantum says no current plans for iPhone-related suit
Quantum Research on Monday denied media reports that it is preparing a second patent infringement lawsuit against iPod maker Apple over its upcoming iPhone handset.
The Southampton-based touch sensor specialist sued Apple back in 2005, alleging that touch technology used in the PowerBook, Mighty Mouse and iPod nano product lines infringes on its charge transfer patents.
A reported published by Electronics Weekly last week suggested Quantum was readying a second suit, this time over the iPhone's rear-surface touch screen and proximity sensing. However, a company statement provided to the EETimes on Monday denied such claims.
"Quantum has no knowledge of any infringement by Apple of Quantum's patents in regard to the iPhone or any other product other than those products alleged to be infringing in our 2005 lawsuit against Apple and Cypress Semiconductor," the company said.
The firm added that it will operate under the assumption that none of its patents have been violated "until the iPhone product is made available for public sale."
Quantum's original suite against Apple is still pending.
The Southampton-based touch sensor specialist sued Apple back in 2005, alleging that touch technology used in the PowerBook, Mighty Mouse and iPod nano product lines infringes on its charge transfer patents.
A reported published by Electronics Weekly last week suggested Quantum was readying a second suit, this time over the iPhone's rear-surface touch screen and proximity sensing. However, a company statement provided to the EETimes on Monday denied such claims.
"Quantum has no knowledge of any infringement by Apple of Quantum's patents in regard to the iPhone or any other product other than those products alleged to be infringing in our 2005 lawsuit against Apple and Cypress Semiconductor," the company said.
The firm added that it will operate under the assumption that none of its patents have been violated "until the iPhone product is made available for public sale."
Quantum's original suite against Apple is still pending.
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Quantum's original suite against Apple is still pending.
"Suit"
If, on the other hand, Quantum waits until the iPhone ships, they can buy one and take it apart, and have enough information to possibly make a case. Assuming there is a case to be made, of course.
The firm added that it will operate under the assumption that none of its patents have been violated "until the iPhone product is made available for public sale."
AKA: until apple makes money off it.
It has a touchscreen, which Quantum claims they invented.
It plays MP3, which Alcatel has been awarded $1.6 billion against Microsoft for not being paid license fees (even though no one had any clue it was due any).
It is a portable music device, which some Texas company claims they invented.
It is called an iPhone, which about 6 companies in various countries claim they invented.
It looks like the LG Prada, which LG claims is a look & feel they invented.
It has a proximity sensor, Quantum again.
And so on.
If all of these companies launched lawsuits, Apple could end up paying out more than they make from selling it!
The patent trolls could really go to town on the iPhone:
It has a touchscreen, which Quantum claims they invented.
It plays MP3, which Alcatel has been awarded $1.6 billion against Microsoft for not being paid license fees (even though no one had any clue it was due any).
It is a portable music device, which some Texas company claims they invented.
It is called an iPhone, which about 6 companies in various countries claim they invented.
It looks like the LG Prada, which LG claims is a look & feel they invented.
It has a proximity sensor, Quantum again.
And so on.
If all of these companies launched lawsuits, Apple could end up paying out more than they make from selling it!
you also "hold it in your hand" and men WORLD WIDE are gonna want to get some of that patent money! 8)