Apple has sued Samsung this week, accusing its rival of “copying” iOS devices when creating its Galaxy line of tablets and phones.
The lawsuit alleges Samsung violates many Apple patents and trademarks relating to design features.
Samsung says it will actively respond to the suit and the accusation that it “blatantly copied” Apple gadgets.
Apple’s suit is over 16 different claims “including unjust enrichment, trademark infringement” and 10 patent claims.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S devices have all sold well in the United States, and feature Android software.
Result for: apple patents
The U.S. International Trade Commission has revealed that it will investigate a patent infringement complaint made against Apple Inc. by Taiwan-based HTC Corp. The ITC is an independent, bi-partisan U.S. federal agency that has powers to protect U.S. industries from unfair trade practices. Its powers include the ability to block imports from foreign sources.
HTC Corp. is seeking an injunction on imports of Asian-manufactured iPhones, iPods and iPads into the United States, alleging that the Apple products infringe five patents held by HTC. The ITC announced on Friday that it has decided to investigate certain portable electronics devices and software related to the complaint.
Apple Inc. sued HTC Corp. for alleged patent infringement in March. The Cupertino-based iPod-maker filed a lawsuit in a US District Court in the state of Delaware against HTC, alleging infringement of 20 Apple patents related to user interface, hardware and architecture associated with its popular iPhone products. It also filed a complaint with the ITC at the time.
HTC is Taiwan’s leading smartphone maker and produces handsets for a number of leading U.S. companies. Notably, HTC manufactures the Nexus One handset, unveiled by Google in January, heating up a growing intense rivalry and further decaying past close ties between Apple and the search engine web giant.
In the original lawsuit, Apple sought an injunction to prevent HTC from making or selling products using Apple’s patent technology. The ITC’s move on Friday is just another chapter in the on-going battle between mobile handset manufacturers looking to dominate the lucrative sector.
Result for: apple patents
Apple has been granted a patent that could mean an official native instant messenger application is finally coming to the popular iPhone media device.
Apple applied for the patent after the launch of the iPhone in the summer of 2007 but it was only until recently that the U.S. Patent Office approved it. The patent describes “a new instant messaging interface for touchscreen devices that lets you manipulate chat conversations in real time by editing old chats.” The patent also speaks about allowing users embedding videos and images, something you cannot currently do with the iPhone. What is not clear however is if the patent will be a revised SMS application or a brand new IM application.
Apple has already showed off that AOL’s AIM messenger program can be used on the phone and many users eagerly wait the addition of MMS and IM applications.
We will keep you updated on the reach of this patent as more information becomes available.
