I'm out this morning too. Nice trade clovis8.
I'm out this morning too. Nice trade clovis8.
The Transformer Prime screen has nothing on the iPad 3
I agree with a lot of what you say regarding patents, but tell me this: what exclusvity period has Apple been granted for coming out with the iPhone - which undoubtedly stretch the limits of innovation and revolutionized the mobile phone industry? The answer is none, so why are you assuming Apple is trying to stifle innovation when what they really want is the exclusivity they rightfully earned? You're contradicting yourself. I know your bias against the company, but you honestly believe Apple deserves no patent protection for the iPhone, and that it was nothing special? Patents are getting ridiculous because the obvious infringements are not being dealt with, so the strategy has changed to patenting everything imaginable hoping that a couple will stick.
Accusing Apple of stifling innovation is absurd. If patents were upheld as they should be, other companies would have no choice but to innovate in order to compete with Apple, instead of riding their coattails as they currently are. It's not good for the industry for one company to lead and everyone else to follow - and that is clearly what's happening.
Although blanket statements can't be made, the closest statement to the truth is that Apple is the victim, not the culprit. As for the "public whining", it was in response to a question during the conference call. What do you expect him to say? I see no problem with his statement - patents have been infringed and he's willing to settle.
Do you hear CEOs of retailers or CPG makers whine when competitors make me-too or copycat brands, products, or concepts? Say PC Blue Menu products, with subsequent copying by the private labels of other grocery stores, with the same pale blue motif on the package.
I have no problem with Apple defending its patents (and defending itself from allegations of patent violation, both FRAND and non-FRAND). That is entirely separate from whining about how Apple's products are 'copied'. I don't think Apple is really in a position to lecture about others violating their patents or riffing on their products. They do the same thing!
Apple (and other tech companies) deserve some degree of patent protection for their IP. But they only 'deserve' it, in my book, to the extent that that entitlement is a benefit to society (and not just to Apple). If Apple did not have patent protection for some of the things it currently holds patents for, would it innovate less, create worse products, etc.? I doubt it.
Patents are just big sticks that Apple, Google, Msft, Nokia, Samsung, etc. are using to beat each other over the head with. I don't see the social benefit for the current level of patent protection. Patent lawyers maybe, society at a whole probably not. Obvious user interaction patents don't make the cut in my book. Manufacturing processes, clever power or battery management technologies, sure.
It's easy to say how obvious things are in hindsight. Touchscreens have been around long before the iPhone came out. Where were the "obvious" multitouch and associated gestures back then? Where was the "obvious" design of the iPad before it came about? Where were the "obvious" arrangement and implementation of apps before iPhone? Don't you think it's a bit odd that most of the "obvious" stuff comes from one company? Is everyone else just that completely incompetent, or are things maybe not so obvious in real time?
So patents should only be enforced if inaction would change the company's ethics or wy of doing business? You're basically punishing Apple because they are doing the right thing. What if they dd stop innovating and survived on thier existing massive cash flow? Should patent enforcement suddenly change because of that?
If I steal a shirt from Sears the impact to ther business model or their bottom line is a rounding error at best. Does that mean I shouldn't be punished?
Last edited by GOB; 2012-04-25 at 03:28 PM.
Impart! Share! Please feel free to bestow any knowledge upon us...Originally Posted by Toronto.gal
Last edited by indexxx; 2012-04-25 at 10:20 PM.
Xerox sued Apple for the "look and feel" of the Mac in the 80s. It was fought in Toronto. My neighbour was the winning lawyer. He represented Apple. So patent lawsuits have been around for at least 25 years. Apple learned their lesson early.
The current patent system is a huge wasteful disaster - but it is what it is. Apple has one excellent thing going for it. 112 Billion sitting in cash. Of course this will attract lawsuits but when then have to cut a deal they have ample cash to do it without even blinking.
"Apple blowing away Android in enterprise" (from Networld magazine):
http://www.macworld.com/article/1166...nterprise.html
Does that report not indicate that there were 0% Blackberry activations? Not sure that is credible.
Yes, but the article explains why they left Blackberry out. They're not comparing Apple with Blackberry, they're comparing Apple with everything but Blackberry.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote