So, Apple invented the iPod, right? Well, think again. It turns out that much of the technology that was used to create the iPod was patented one month earlier by Microsoft.
When Steve Jobs and Apple tried to patent the iPod and all its technologies they were rejected by the US Patent and Trademark Office. That was three months ago. The story is out now.
According to MacNewsWorld Microsoft may receive as much as $10 per iPod. Apple has sold more than 21 million iPods so . . . do the math, Microsoft is gonna get some big money if they win this patent dispute ($210 million).
Can you imagine the shock going through Apple right now? Their big product has been patented by their biggest competitor.
Not only that but Microsoft is also about to release a music playing device (similar to the iPod) of its own.
So, what's the lesson? If you think you've invented something patent it right away.
I don't think Apple can really do anything at this point, though I would have been laughing if it was the other way around: Apple beating Microsoft to the Patent Office. That would show Monopoly Man.
It will be interesting to watch the proceedings and I'll keep you up to date as to what happens next.
Technorati Tags: ipod, microsoft, apple.
When Steve Jobs and Apple tried to patent the iPod and all its technologies they were rejected by the US Patent and Trademark Office. That was three months ago. The story is out now.
According to MacNewsWorld Microsoft may receive as much as $10 per iPod. Apple has sold more than 21 million iPods so . . . do the math, Microsoft is gonna get some big money if they win this patent dispute ($210 million).
Can you imagine the shock going through Apple right now? Their big product has been patented by their biggest competitor.
Not only that but Microsoft is also about to release a music playing device (similar to the iPod) of its own.
So, what's the lesson? If you think you've invented something patent it right away.
I don't think Apple can really do anything at this point, though I would have been laughing if it was the other way around: Apple beating Microsoft to the Patent Office. That would show Monopoly Man.
It will be interesting to watch the proceedings and I'll keep you up to date as to what happens next.
Technorati Tags: ipod, microsoft, apple.
6 Comments:
hahahaha man thats so not even funny.
Was it theft on Microsoft's part ? or an oversight on Apple's ?
By
Anonymous, at 6:37 PM
Personally, I think it was oversight on Apple's. I think they were honestly shocked about the whole thing.
Microsoft probably didn't know about it until they were notified by the Patent Office.
But like you said it is no fun for Apple.
By
tradertime, at 9:19 PM
Apple invented it and due to a horrible oversight, didn't patent it until Microsoft had already stolen it and filed for the patent first.
By
Anonymous, at 5:59 PM
Microsoft and everything it stands for is stupid. I hate microsoft. They are such cheaters. Everything microsoft does they have stolen. No surprises here.
By
Anonymous, at 8:58 PM
It's really sad reading the patents especially because of the limit of "describing" a concept in legal words. How can anyone with the right mind read the patent and say, "that's the iPod interface!"?
By
Real World Observer, at 11:18 AM
Thanks!! I think Ill return in the near future
By
Anonymous, at 1:41 PM
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