Apple Multi-touch Patent Invalid?

U.S. Patent Office Preliminary Determination Finds That The ‘Steve Jobs’ Multitouch Patent Is Invalid

from TechCrunch by Darrell Etherington

The USPTO has issued a preliminary notice indicating that the famous ‘Steve Jobs’ patent, which describes basic multitouch technology including scrolling, might be invalid, according to a first Office action uncovered by FOSS Patents. The ruling is very early, however, and Apple still has two months to make an initial response and a number of appeals before the patent in question might finally be rendered invalid. Many news outlets are talking about the effect this may have on ongoing court cases, but looking at the details, it’s much too early to even be thinking about the effect such a decision would have on ongoing court battles between Samsung and others.

USPTO Invalidates Key Apple Multitouch Patent -- For Now

from All Things Digital by John Paczkowski

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which tentatively invalidated Apple’s rubber-banding patent back in October, has taken a similarly dim view of another of the company’s marquee multitouch patents — one that Samsung was found to infringe. Earlier this week, the USPTO tentatively declared invalid U.S. Patent No. 7,479,949 — the so-called “Steve Jobs patent” — rejecting all 20 of its claims. The USPTO’s decision is not final; this is just a preliminary ruling. Still, it’s clearly unwelcome news for Apple.

Apple Worried?

You may have missed the recent news that Apple was able to stop sales of a Samsung android handset over a possible patent issue. In this case they were able to slow the competition but if all of those threatened keep digging sooner or later they too will have an injunction on the one "best seller" Apple branded product and they too will be shut down. And that will be a very big issue when it occurs?  One reason Android will prevail is found just below... FYI

Your Warranty is Not Void – XDA TV

from xda-developers by JimmyMcGee

XDA-Developers is a site dedicated to phone development and customization. Sometimes carriers and device manufactures lock down their devices. Sometimes this is done to cover devious practices. Other times, it’s done to try and ensure that you will buy the next device they release. Why would anyone buy the Galaxy S III when they can put Ice Cream Sandwich on their Galaxy S II?

Here at XDA we port things to other things, and we create new things. Our developers figure out ways to get the lastest Android on older devices and the latest features on all devices. Currently to do this, you have to root your device. Some people—even some manufacturers—think that rooting your device violates your warranty. XDA Elite Recognized Developer  AdamOutler talks your the freedom to root your device in the United State of America. This right is granted with any full warranty with a device. Check out this video to understand your rights.

Kodak's patent spat threatens photo w...

Kodak's patent spat threatens photo web sites

photo services

The fallout from a patent dispute between Kodak and web photo site Shutterfly could embroil many online image sites, says patent experts.

Kodak claimed it owns patents regarding the display of online images that is being infringed by Shutterfly.

The photo-sharing site disputes these claims and has launched a counter suit.

But the landmark case could have ramifications for other popular online photo sites such as Yahoo's Flickr and Google's Picasa.

The past two years have seen a number of cases launched that claim online photo sites have breached patents.

But this is the first time such a large, established technology company has sought to assert its rights over online images, said Deborah Bould, a specialist in intellectual property at law firm Pinsent Masons.

Genuine innovation

Kodak's decision to start legal proceedings against Shutterfly will have put scores of web-based photo companies such as Flickr and Google, on high alert, she told BBC News.

"The patents Kodak holds are incredibly broad, effectively covering images that are stored centrally and can be ordered online," she said.

That's likely to mean Kodak will go after other online image sites it believes also infringe its patents, she added.

Kodak said it has over 400 similar patents.

"We are committed to protecting these assets from unauthorised use," it said in a statement.

Given the expense of patent cases, many smaller firms may choose to licence Kodak's technology rather than fight claims, said Theo Savvides, head of intellectual property at Osborne Clarke.

But firms such as Google and Yahoo "have deep pockets" that would allow them to challenge Kodak's claims, he added.

Such challenges would likely focus on the validity of Kodak's patents, said Ms Bould.

The case may hinge on Kodak's ability to show that when it filed the patents they covered technology that was genuinely innovative, she added.

Kodak has been hit hard by the shift towards digital photography, but has recently shown a greater willingness to assert its rights for technology it believes impinge on its patents.

Earlier this year Kodak said it would sue Apple and BlackBerry maker, Research in Motion, over technology used in their handsets.