__/ [ Robert Newson ] on Saturday 09 September 2006 19:27 \__
> Roy Schestowitz wrote:
>
>> Apple patents convergent handheld ... thing
>>
>> ,----[ Quote ]
>> | Apple has filed to protect an invention it calls a "multi-functional
>> | hand-held device," a device with a user-interface that changes according
>> | to function.
>
> Does my TV/DVD/RADIO/CD/VIDEO all-in-one remote count as prior art; I mean,
> it's a hand-held device with buttons (user-interface) which change their
> usage according to mode (function).
>
> And on my hand-held Phillips DVD remote, the arrow keys change function and
> do either FF, FR, SF, FR or scroll the screen around according to the zoom
> function (being off or on).
Speaking of prior art, this idea is so natural and it goes millenia back.
Sooner or later, due to such publications, companies will realise that
patents are damaging to reputation, particularly the bad ones. That's when
it'll come to an end, through public pressure and scrutiny. There is some
good documentation on Groklaw, which maintains lists of prior art to
challenge patents in court. It's a losing battle for IP and the US patent
office.
|
|
