Google Argues Apple's Inventions Are So Commercially Essential They Should Be Shared

[time space]

This thread is not intended to start a troll battle, but rather to provide some facts behind the current patent court cases occurring between Apple, Google, Samsung, and other computer corporations.

Although the legalities involved are quite technical, it's worth reading this whole article (and the links it contains) (http://allthingsd.com/20120720/google-claims-popularity-has-made-some-apple-patents-de-facto-essentials/) to gain an understanding of some of the root principles of the great OS wars taking place today.

I highly recommend taking the time to read it.

[xalex0]

Using an iPhone to take photos, manage a home-finance spreadsheet, play video games, or run countless other applications has nothing to do with standardized protocols.Wait, has Apple patented these features too?

[sandikosh]

I wished I had went to law school. I would be a billionaire!

[Goober56]

This is all ridiculous beyond ludicrous. One of Googles patents is the "Notification Bar" on top part of Android devices. Better products neutered. Some of these patents are seriously sad. I can't wait until Apple, or someone else, can patent Oxygen or something. (Yes I know its a stretch, but reading some of these patents you could see it happening.)

[ichpen]

This is all ridiculous beyond ludicrous. One of Googles patents is the "Notification Bar" on top part of Android devices. Better products neutered. Some of these patents are seriously sad. I can't wait until Apple, or someone else, can patent Oxygen or something. (Yes I know its a stretch, but reading some of these patents you could see it happening.)

And one of Apple's patents is a rectangular touch screen device with rounded corners...
Seriously, some middle ground is needed in these debates.. :)

First step is to completely rehash patent law so that obviously unfair patents should not be granted (such as the above).

[xalex0]

The implementation should be patentable, not the general appearance.

[jacky28]

doesn't general appearance cover under copyright law?

[M1K3Z0R]

Google's new game plan: Kill them with flattery!!

Software patents should be scrapped. Have a free-for-all and let the best [funded] product win!

[ConsoleWatcher]

And one of Apple's patents is a rectangular touch screen device with rounded corners...

I used to wonder why in the "Battlestar Galactica" universe everything had cut/tapered corners.....