Quantum deny patent infringement and threat of legal action against Apple
Last week we reported that Quantum Research were taking a close look at the iPhone for potential patent infringement. Thankfully, Electronics Weekly (who originally broke the story) have now cleared it all up for us.
“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, specifically the Powerbook trackpad, Mighty Mouse, and iPod Nano scroll wheel.”
That's a long enough list of possible infringements already. Why add more?
Of course, it doesn't unequivocally rule out future problems, because QR added:
“Until the iPhone product is made available for public sale, we have to make the operating assumption that no Quantum patents have been violated”
And Quantum’s CEO Hal Philipp said back in January, “I am hoping iPhone does not contain Quantum-patented charge-transfer technology.”
I think we all do, Hal. Yes, it gives us something to write about, but it's hard keeping up with who's suing Apple, and who Apple is suing.
Amusingly, when Electronics Talk reported the QR story, they wrote that "Quantum Research distances itself from rumours that it is preparing to sue Apple Corp over the design of its newly announced iPhone product."
Let's not fire up that whole Beatles thing again, eh? Apple Corps certainly has nothing to do with the iPhone - well, unless Paul McCartney buys one.
Related stories:
- Apple may face another lawsuit from Quantum Research over iPhone's touch screen technology
- iPhone under fire from LG for 'stealing idea'
- iPhone basics: The specifications
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