Samsung Galaxy 10.1N cleared for sale in Germany
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 - One week after denying Apple an injunction against the Galaxy Tab 10.1N, a German court on Thursday officially cleared the reworked Samsung tablet for sale after the original was banned for copying the "look and feel" of the iPad. ( 25 comments )
Apple exploring 3D frame-of-reference iOS interface based on eye, light location
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 - Apple has shown interest in creating a unique user interface for iOS, allowing new features like dynamic shadows based on the angle of light hitting an iPhone screen. ( 18 comments )
Google says it won't support fair licensing in open standards as Apple, Microsoft, Cisco have
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 - In a distinct departure from the agreement voiced between Apple, Cisco and Microsoft regarding the need for fair, transparent, understandable and consistent licensing policy for open standards, Google has promised to continue to wage Motorola's increasingly hostile patent wars. ( 125 comments )
Cisco backs Apple's ETSI request for fair and open licensing of standards patents
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 - Cisco Systems filed its own letter to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute last week, backing Apple's position calling for "more consistent and transparent application of FRAND" licensing commitments among the standards body's members. ( 9 comments )
Microsoft joins Apple in pledging support for injunction free, FRAND patent licensing
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 - Microsoft has issued a public statement outlining its position regarding standards essential patents, committing itself "to always adhere to the promises it has made to standards organizations to make its standard essential patents available on fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms." The move joins an effort initiated by Apple last fall, and begs for comment from Google to do the same. ( 31 comments )
Apple asks ETSI standards body to set rules for standards essential patents
Tue, Feb 7, 2012 - Apple addressed the European Telecommunications Standards Institute in November, asking the organization to set clear polices governing how its member companies license their patents. ( 18 comments )
Google to continue Motorola's FRAND licensing that seeks to monopolize H.264, UMTS
Tue, Feb 7, 2012 - Google's worst fears about greedy H.264 patent holders and "bogus patent" warfare involving Android are coming true, albeit at the hands of Motorola, a company it seeks to acquire. Google is now promising to continue this same behavior itself after it buys the increasingly unreasonable and (outside of patent claims) unprofitable Android licensee. ( 113 comments )
Motorola seeking 2.25% of Apple's sales for standard-essential patent license
Sat, Feb 4, 2012 - Recently uncovered court documents from Motorola Mobility's legal complaints against Apple have revealed that the handset maker is seeking 2.25 percent of Apple's sales of wireless devices in exchange for a patent license covering its standard-essential intellectual property. ( 140 comments )
Apple pulls all 3G iOS devices but iPhone 4S from German online store
Fri, Feb 3, 2012 - Apple has removed all 3G/UMTS-capable iPad and iPhone models from its German online store in response to an injunction based on a wireless standard FRAND patent owned by Motorola Mobility. ( 105 comments )
Motorola wins German injunction against Apple push services
Fri, Feb 3, 2012 - German iCloud users may soon be denied access to one of iCloud's most important features, as Motorola has won a permanent injunction against Apple's data pushing services and devices from the country's Mannheim Regional Court. ( 32 comments )
Judge complains of too many patents in Apple case against Motorola
Thu, Feb 2, 2012 - Circuit Judge Posner has expressed dissatisfaction with the number of patents Apple is arguing against Motorola, asking the company to "winnow" its claims. ( 21 comments )
Apple developing iOS tech for real-time, head-to-head workout competitions
Thu, Feb 2, 2012 - Future versions of Apple's iOS software may introduce new fitness technology that will encourage a more competitive spirit by allowing users to compete and share real-time performance data with other users working out at the same time, even if those users reside in different parts of the world. ( 15 comments )
Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Tab 10.1N escape German injunctions
Wed, Feb 1, 2012 - A German Munich Regional Court judge has decided against granting Apple injunctions on two Samsung products, noting that at least one of the patent challenges was likely to be revoked at trial. ( 17 comments )
Samsung target of official EU antitrust probe
Tue, Jan 31, 2012 - The European Commission announced on Tuesday that it has opened a formal investigation to decide whether Samsung's use of standard-essential FRAND patents as leverage in high profile cases, such as the company's worldwide battle with Apple, violates EU antitrust laws. ( 33 comments )
Judge interprets '263 patent in Apple's favor in HTC Android appeal
Sun, Jan 29, 2012 - United States Circuit Judge Richard A. Posner has issued an interpretation of Apple's '263 patent that is likely to result in a jury finding HTC (and Android in general) of infringement in the key "realtime API" case previously passed over by the ITC. ( 137 comments )
German court dismisses second Samsung patent suit against Apple
Fri, Jan 27, 2012 - In an early morning ruling on Friday, the Mannheim Regional Court dismissed the second of five 3G/UMTS standards patent suits Samsung leveled against Apple. ( 18 comments )
Apple exploring MagSafe data, headphone connections for iPhone, iPad
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 - Apple's standard 30-pin iPod cable and even its headphones could be replaced on future iPhones and iPads by new magnetic cables, much like the MagSafe power adapters currently used on MacBooks. ( 39 comments )
Apple's universal remote concept hints at future television set
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 - Apple has shown interest in building a new, simplified remote control that would automatically control a variety of devices while reducing setup and frustration for the user. ( 40 comments )
Dutch court rules Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 doesn't infringe on Apple's designs
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 - An appeals court in The Netherlands has sided with Samsung and ruled that its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet does not infringe on patented designs owned by Apple. ( 121 comments )
Apple claims ownership of digital photography patents asserted by Kodak
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 - Apple has asked a bankruptcy court to block Kodak from obtaining loans using certain patents as collateral, arguing that it believes the disputed Kodak patents actually belong to Apple. ( 64 comments )
Apple working on version of Siri to help you purchase products online
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 - Future updates to Apple's Siri personal assistant could grant users the ability to purchase items from online stores using only their voice. ( 16 comments )
Apple exploring motion-based 3D user interface for iPhone
Thu, Jan 12, 2012 - Apple has shown interest in developing a new user interface for the iPhone that relies less on the device's touchscreen, and more on manipulating a 3D environment with motion controls. ( 23 comments )
Apple awarded 676 patents in 2011, ranks 39th among all companies
Wed, Jan 11, 2012 - Apple was awarded a total of 676 patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2011, ranking it No. 39 among companies awarded inventions in the U.S. ( 35 comments )
Multi-touch patent settlement with Elan costs Apple $5 million
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 - Apple has reached a settlement in a multi-touch patent infringement suit with Elan Microelectronics Corp., in which the iPhone maker will pay out $5 million. ( 22 comments )
Apple's television could offer superior picture quality with advanced backlighting
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 - Apple has explored building displays with dynamic backlight adaptation for better picture quality, particularly when watching letterboxed widescreen movies on a high-definition screen. ( 70 comments )
Apple's future iPhones & iPads could automatically personalize via face recognition
Thu, Dec 29, 2011 - Using a forward-facing camera to recognize an individual user, future iPhones and iPads from Apple could automatically customize applications, settings and features to a user's personal preferences once they pick up the device. ( 59 comments )
Apple could collect $10 for every Android device sold, expert says
Wed, Dec 28, 2011 - If Apple were to abandon its lawsuits against Android smartphone manufacturers and instead negotiate licensing fees for its patented technology, one expert believes Apple could collect $10 for each Android device sold. ( 218 comments )
Motorola likely to change Android photo viewer to avoid Apple patent
Fri, Dec 23, 2011 - Apple is likely to win a patent dispute against Motorola related to photo gallery scrolling on a touchscreen device, as the smartphone "war of attrition" continues. ( 25 comments )
Apple unlikely to win ban on Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N in Germany
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 - A judge in Germany has indicated that Apple is unlikely to secure a ban on sales of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 for alleged patent infringement. ( 69 comments )
Apple investigating fuel-cell-powered MacBooks
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 - Apple could build new notebooks that are even smaller and lighter than current battery-powered devices by switching to fuel cells for power. ( 55 comments )
HTC already testing phones to work around ITC ruling
Tue, Dec 20, 2011 - HTC Chief Executive Peter Chou revealed on Wednesday that the company is already testing a workaround in order to comply with the U.S. International Trade Commission's ban on devices infringing on Apple's Data Detector patent. ( 34 comments )
Apple sues Samsung over patented iPad, iPhone case designs [u]
Tue, Dec 20, 2011 - The legal battle between Samsung and Apple continues to grow, as Apple has filed a new lawsuit against Samsung accusing the company of violating patents related to tablet and smartphone case designs [updated with clarification from Samsung]. ( 92 comments )
Apple's legal victory over HTC not expected to have a major effect
Tue, Dec 20, 2011 - Though the International Trade Commission has placed an injunction against HTC Android phones that infringe on Apple's intellectual property, the ruling is not expected to have a major effect on either HTC or Apple. ( 27 comments )
ITC delays ruling on Kodak suit against Apple until Sept. 2012
Mon, Dec 19, 2011 - With Eastman Kodak's cash reserves continuing to dwindle, the U.S. International Trade Commission has pushed back the expected date for a final decision on the company's patent infringement complaint against Apple from December of this year to September 2012. ( 18 comments )
ITC grants injunction over Apple Data Detectors patent against HTC Android phones
Mon, Dec 19, 2011 - Apple has won an import ban from the US International Trade Commission blocking HTC Android phones that infringe upon its Data Detectors patent, a move that will require Android to drop the feature or implement it in a way that does not infringe. ( 61 comments )
Samsung sues Apple over 4 new patents, but backs off iPhone 4S complaint
Fri, Dec 16, 2011 - Samsung has added four new patents to its lawsuit against Apple in Germany, but has backed off of a complaint related to baseband chips in the iPhone 4S. ( 76 comments )
Samsung newspaper ad hypes Galaxy Tab as 'tablet Apple tried to stop'
Thu, Dec 15, 2011 - Samsung officials have credited Apple's lawsuits for attracting attention to its Galaxy Tab lineup, while a new advertisement is portraying the device as "the tablet Apple tried to stop." ( 136 comments )
Apple looking to expand iPhone accessory support with automatic app recommendations
Thu, Dec 15, 2011 - Apple has shown interest in expanding support for third-party accessories for the iPhone and iPad, with a new system that would detect an external device and recommend compatible applications available on the App Store. ( 5 comments )
Apple accused of feeding intellectual property to 'patent troll'
Sat, Dec 10, 2011 - According to a new report, Apple has transferred some of its patents to patent-licensing firm Digitude Innovations, prompting accusations that the company is aiding a so-called "patent troll." ( 271 comments )
Apple accuses Samsung lawyers of stalling in court
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 - Apple's legal counsel believe their efforts for an expedited trial in their patent infringement suit against Samsung are being held up by Samsung's uncooperative attorneys. ( 39 comments )
Motorola wins major injunction against Apple's iPhone, iPad in Germany
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 - Motorola Mobility on Friday won a major patent infringement decision against Apple in Germany, a ruling that includes an injunction against the iPhone and 3G-capable iPads. ( 138 comments )
Apple exploring Kinect-like 3D input for controlling Macs
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 - Apple has shown interest in an entirely new way for users to interact with and control their Mac, with a new system allowing users to perform gestures with their hands in a three-dimensional space. ( 41 comments )
Apple interested in improving noise cancellation via voice recognition
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 - Apple is investigating the use of user-specific unique voice recognition technology to improve ambient noise cancellation with devices like the iPhone. ( 10 comments )
Apple licensed scrolling patent to IBM & Nokia, offered to Samsung
Mon, Dec 5, 2011 - Contradicting a belief that Apple refuses to license its patented technology to competing companies, a new report reveals that both Nokia and IBM licensed a patent covering iOS touch-based scrolling, and a licensing agreement was also offered to Samsung. ( 25 comments )
Apple exploring photo-generated digital avatars for iOS Game Center
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 - Apple has shown continued interest in creating digital avatars for its Game Center networking service for iOS, with a pair of new patents related to automatically generating an avatar and also updating their online status. ( 12 comments )
Motorola blocked from adding iTunes, iCloud and iPhone 4S to patent claim after late filing
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 - Motorola Mobility has been blocked by a US court from belatedly adding iTunes, iCloud and iPhone 4S to its patent infringement claims against Apple. ( 8 comments )
Apple asks German court to bar sales of Samsung's redesigned Galaxy Tab 10.1N
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 - Samsung's recent retooling of its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet wasn't enough to ward off Apple's legal challenges, as the iPad maker has now asked a German court to stop sales of the redesigned Tab 10.1N. ( 37 comments )
Samsung attorney says Australian judge wrong in banning its iPad-like tablet
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 - An attorney for Samsung argued Australian judge Annabelle Bennett was wrong in granting Apple a temporary injunction against the Galaxy Tab, saying the justice made a series of errors and failed to understand key elements of the case. ( 68 comments )
USPTO exhibit shows Jobs' cultural influence through patents, trademarks
Wed, Nov 23, 2011 - The USPTO has built an exhibit highlighting the many patents and trademarks of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, showcasing the tremendous influence the tech guru had on the industry and the world. ( 12 comments )
In ITC reversal, Apple found not to infringe HTC's S3 patents
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 - The US International Trade Commission has dismissed the first complaint by graphics firm S3 against Apple, stating that "no violation" was shown and that its investigation into the complaint against Macs has been terminated. ( 30 comments )
Reissued patent could give Apple control of location-based services
Thu, Nov 17, 2011 - Apple has been granted a location services patent that is so basic it could possibly cover any existing location-based system, giving the iPhone maker a powerful weapon in its already formidable intellectual property arsenal. ( 60 comments )
Apple accuses Amazon of false advertising in ongoing pursuit of 'App Store' trademark
Thu, Nov 17, 2011 - Apple continues to fight for the "App Store" trademark, accusing Amazon of false advertisement in an amended filing against the company's use of the term in a recent promotion for the Kindle Fire tablet. ( 35 comments )
Apple exploring universal power adapter to simultaneously charge MacBook, iPhone
Thu, Nov 17, 2011 - Apple has shown interest in building a new universal power adapter compatible with different DC voltage levels, allowing portable devices like a MacBook Pro, iPhone and iPad to be charged at the same time with just one wall plug. ( 39 comments )
Samsung modifies, rebrands & relaunches Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Germany
Wed, Nov 16, 2011 - In an attempt to bypass claims of patent infringement from Apple, Samsung has modified the design of its Galaxy Tab 10.1 touchscreen tablet, slightly renamed it, and re-released it in Germany. ( 34 comments )
Briefly: App Store break; Apple TV price drop; Apple patent haul
Tue, Nov 15, 2011 - Apple has warned developers that its iTunes Connect tool for managing App Store titles will shut down December 22-29 as the company goes on holiday break, while retailers Amazon and Best Buy are preparing for the holidays by lowering the price of the Apple TV to $89.99. Also, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a large batch of 30 patents to Apple on Tuesday. ( 22 comments )
Steve Jobs wanted Apple to build own cell network for first iPhone
Tue, Nov 15, 2011 - Before launching the first iPhone, late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs wanted to replace established mobile carriers by creating a proprietary network specifically for the handset by leveraging an unused license-free spectrum band. ( 39 comments )
Samsung won't try to block Apple's iPhone 4S in South Korea
Mon, Nov 14, 2011 - Samsung has announced it will not seek an injunction in its own country of South Korea against Apple's newly released iPhone 4S. ( 14 comments )
Samsung seeking injunction against Apple's 3G products in Germany
Fri, Nov 11, 2011 - In a reversal of its position that Apple is an aggressor trying to stifle competition with patent lawsuits, Google's Android licensee Samsung is initiating new efforts to ban Apple's 3G products in Germany using the same standards-based patent action Motorola has. ( 33 comments )
Apple investigating clip-on iPod nano, shuffle with integrated speaker
Thu, Nov 10, 2011 - Apple has shown interest in building a clip-on iPod with the same wearable form factor as the current iPod nano or iPod shuffle, but with a new integrated speaker built directly into the rear clip. ( 27 comments )
Apple court filing takes HTC to task over superfluous comma
Mon, Nov 7, 2011 - In an amusing example of Apple's attention to detail, a new court filing from the company corrected a punctuation error made by rival HTC. ( 45 comments )
Apple allows Motorola Mobility to win procedural German injunction over iPhone [u]
Fri, Nov 4, 2011 - Apple has opted to allow Motorola Mobility to win a default judgment in a German patent case, but the injunction will apparently have no immediate effect on the company because it sells its devices in the country through a separate local organization [updated with Apple statement]. ( 100 comments )
European Commission investigating Samsung over abuse of FRAND patents against Apple
Thu, Nov 3, 2011 - According to legal documents filed by Apple in its California patent dispute with Samsung, the European Commission is investigating Samsung's patent litigation to determine if its use of standards-essential patents violates competition laws. ( 30 comments )
Apple wants to improve OLED technology for potential use in future iPhones
Thu, Nov 3, 2011 - Apple has shown interest in improving the technology behind organic light emitting diodes, or OLED displays, to provide even better battery life for devices like the iPhone and iPad. ( 23 comments )
Small Spanish tablet maker wins patent attack from Apple
Wed, Nov 2, 2011 - After successfully defending itself from a patent infringement suit from Apple, a small Spanish tablet maker has turned the tables and is now suing Apple for anticompetitive behavior. ( 86 comments )
Samsung to depose Apple's iPhone designers, including Jony Ive
Wed, Nov 2, 2011 - By the end of the month, Samsung plans to have depositions from a number of Apple designers, including senior vice president Jonathan Ive, in its ongoing patent infringement suit. ( 132 comments )
Taiwan concerned Apple's slide-to-unlock patent could hurt market
Fri, Oct 28, 2011 - Government officials in Taiwan have expressed concern that Apple's recent success in obtaining a patent for the slide-to-unlock gesture on touchscreen devices could hurt competing smartphone makers. ( 120 comments )
Samsung appeals injunction barring Galaxy Tab sales in Australia
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 - Samsung on Thursday appealed a court decision that banned sales of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia due to alleged infringement of patents owned by Apple. ( 11 comments )
Apple exploring 3D gestures to control devices from a distance
Thu, Oct 27, 2011 - Apple is investigating new ways of interacting with devices, such as using hand gestures to navigate and control a video recording system without touching anything. ( 18 comments )
Judge denies Samsung attempt to squash Italian iPhone 4S launch
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 - A judge on Wednesday denied Samsung’s request for an injunction on Apple's new iPhone 4S sales in Italy ahead of this Friday's local launch. ( 40 comments )
Apple awarded patent for touchscreen slide-to-unlock gesture
Wed, Oct 26, 2011 - Apple's arsenal of patents potentially became stronger this week, when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded the company another patent related to unlock gestures on a touchscreen device. ( 192 comments )
Apple exploring lighter, more efficient hydrogen fuel cells
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 - Apple's interest in alternative energy and building "green," energy-efficient devices has been highlighted in a new concept for hydrogen fuel cells to power portable electronics. ( 40 comments )
Samsung's new Galaxy Nexus designed to avoid infringing Apple patents
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 - Given Samsung's series of patent infringement lawsuits with Apple, the company's new flagship Galaxy Nexus handset has reportedly been designed specifically to avoid potentially infringing on iPhone-related patents. ( 117 comments )
ITC judge finds Apple did not violate four HTC patents
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 - A judge with the U.S. international Trade Commission ruled on Monday against HTC in a patent infringement lawsuit it filed against Apple. ( 27 comments )
Samsung attempts to block sales of Apple's iPhone 4S in Japan, Australia
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 - Despite a recent legal setback in the Netherlands, Samsung is pushing forward with its legal attack against Apple's recently launched iPhone 4S, with a pair of new lawsuits looking to block the sale of the device in Japan and Australia. ( 34 comments )
Apple tells Samsung it will only license out 'lower level patents'
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 - In its ongoing legal battle with Samsung, Apple has told its rival that it owns a "thicket of patents," but it will only license "lower level patents" to competing companies. ( 83 comments )
Samsung lawyer couldn't tell iPad and Galaxy Tab apart from 10 feet away
Fri, Oct 14, 2011 - When asked by a judge in a California courtroom to tell the difference between a Samsung Galaxy Tab and an Apple iPad held side-by-side 10 feet away, an attorney for Samsung couldn't do it. ( 195 comments )
Apple looking to simplify Bluetooth power states to conserve battery life
Thu, Oct 13, 2011 - Apple is investigating a new way to power off Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices, allowing users to press just one button on one device to configure or disable multiple devices. ( 9 comments )
Recent Steve Jobs patent filing for dynamic icons shows inventive spirit
Thu, Oct 6, 2011 - As a prolific innovator and hands-on leader, Steve Jobs's influence was felt in every aspect of Apple's products, as evidenced by a recent patent application credited to him designed to stop users from inadvertently starting an operation on a computer. ( 39 comments )
Samsung attempting to block sales of Apple's iPhone 4S in France, Italy
Wed, Oct 5, 2011 - Almost immediately after Apple unveiled its new iPhone 4S, rival Samsung announced it will file injunctions in France and Italy requesting that the courts block the sale of the new iPhone. ( 68 comments )
SEC sought more details on Apple-Nokia patent settlement
Mon, Oct 3, 2011 - The exact terms of the patent settlement between Apple and Nokia were never released, but the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission asked for -- and received -- more details on the undisclosed agreement. ( 2 comments )
Apple exploring accelerometer, gyro stabilization for iPhone video recording
Thu, Sep 29, 2011 - Using the built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, future iPhones could compensate for shaky video recordings with new software-based stabilization. ( 28 comments )
Steve Jobs contacted Samsung in 2010 to resolve Apple patent dispute
Thu, Sep 29, 2011 - Before the patent battle between Apple and Samsung became a worldwide legal mess, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs reportedly initiated contact with Samsung in an attempt to resolve the issues out of court. ( 135 comments )
Microsoft to receive royalties for Samsung's Android smartphones, tablets
Wed, Sep 28, 2011 - Microsoft on Wednesday announced it has entered a cross-licensing agreement with Samsung, in which Microsoft will receive royalties for smartphones and tablets sold by Samsung running the Google Android mobile operating system. ( 34 comments )
HTC's S3 Graphics sues Apple again for alleged patent violations
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 - S3 Graphics, a company that smartphone maker HTC is in the process of acquiring, has sued Apple again this week, this time accusing the iPhone maker of violating two different patents. ( 10 comments )
Samsung seeks ban of Apple's iPhone, iPad in new Netherlands lawsuits
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 - Following through on its threat to become more aggressive in the courtroom, Samsung has filed new patent infringement lawsuits against Apple in the Netherlands, seeking to ban sales of the company's iPhone and iPad products. ( 56 comments )
Patent suit targets Apple, 26 others over wireless transactions
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 - Apple is one of a long list of companies accused of patent infringement in a new lawsuit related to wireless recording of transactions. ( 12 comments )
Samsung vows to step up legal action against Apple for 'free riding' on its inventions
Fri, Sep 23, 2011 - A Samsung executive has promised to become "more aggressive" in pursuing legal action against Apple, as the company believes the iPhone maker has been "free riding" on its patented technologies. ( 216 comments )
Samsung patent countersuits seek to sow confusion in Apple patent fights
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 - In response to Apple's patent infringements cases against it, Samsung is seeking to create confusion with countersuits that attempt to leverage patents tied to open standards and encumbered by FRAND licensing terms ( 21 comments )
Apple sued over microprocessor patents; Mass. to investigate iTunes fraud
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 - Apple has been hit with a new patent infringement suit accusing it of infringing three patents related to microprocessors. Also, the attorney general of Massachusetts has said that her office will look into complaints about fraudulent purchases on Apple's iTunes Store. ( 41 comments )
Patent suit targets Apple, Microsoft over data encryption
Fri, Sep 16, 2011 - Both Apple and its rival Microsoft have been hit with a new lawsuit accusing them and others of violating patents related to digital file encryption and security. ( 11 comments )
RFID chips could act like an airplane 'black box' for Apple's future iPhones
Thu, Sep 15, 2011 - Future iPhones equipped with near-field communication technology could store vital information that would allow for hardware failure to be quickly diagnosed by Apple, even after the handset is nonfunctional. ( 20 comments )
Google bolsters Android with purchase of 1K more IBM patents
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 - Google has continued its run of intellectual property purchases by acquiring 1,023 patents from IBM in an effort to shore up the defenses of its Android mobile operating system. ( 45 comments )
Google upped its bid for Motorola by $3B in one day to close deal
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 - In order to secure its purchase of Motorola and the company's collection of patents, Google outbid itself by 33 percent, or $3 billion, in a single day to reach an agreement. ( 69 comments )
Trio of patent suits target Apple over caller ID, Web apps, USB
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 - Apple was hit with three different patent infringement lawsuits in the U.S. this week, accusing the company of violating inventions related to caller ID, browser-based Web applications, and for building "USB products." ( 31 comments )
US government approves patent bill in effort to reform system
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 - The U.S. Senate has approved the most substantial changes to the nation's patent system in over 50 years in the form of the America Invents Act, a measure supported by tech titans such as Microsoft, Google and Apple. ( 44 comments )
Microsoft inks Android patent deals with Acer, ViewSonic
Fri, Sep 9, 2011 - Microsoft on Thursday announced a pair of patent licensing agreements with Acer and ViewSonic, granting the companies broad coverage of smartphones and tablets running Google's Android mobile operating system. ( 35 comments )
Apple investigating crowd-sourced rankings for local search results
Thu, Sep 8, 2011 - The search technology in Apple's iOS Maps software could implement data from anonymously recorded user visits to locations, like restaurants or stores, to improve map-related search results. ( 16 comments )
Wi-LAN sues Apple over Wi-Fi, HSPA wireless technology patents
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 - Wi-LAN, a company that has a history of patent infringement suits aimed at technology companies, set its sights on Apple Friday with a new lawsuit related to wireless technology. ( 18 comments )
Android makers "unfazed" by Google's Motorola deal, but patents judged weak
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 - Android licensees say they are making no changes to their product strategy following Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility, preferring instead to view the deal as a protection from patent infringement claims by Apple and others despite reports noting that Motorola has little value left in its patent portfolio. ( 47 comments )
Apple interested in creating colorful, durable carbon fiber devices
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 - Future devices from Apple could be built with a super-durable and light material like carbon fiber, but could also be available in a variety of colors thanks to a composite laminate surface. ( 48 comments )
