The iTunes Interface Is Illegal?

from the ah,-software-patents... dept

Just in case you need a bit more evidence for why software patents are a bad idea, we have Slashdot pointing out that Apple has been sued over the interface used in iTunes. Apparently, the UI design for a software media player was patented a few years ago. If you question how this is possibly patentable, you win today's prize... which, if you're in Europe, probably is that you'll be stuck with similar bogus lawsuits and patent shakedowns for the rest of your lives thanks to clueless politicians. Congratulations and enjoy...
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  • identicon
    achacha, 21 Jun 2005 @ 10:31am

    prior art

    That patent covers a big chunk of a commercial product I wrote in 1992 (4 years before the patent was filed). There is existing prior art and I hope this patent gets tossed out.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Nigel Pond, 22 Jun 2005 @ 12:22pm

    Alleged infringement of patent and illegality..

    Usually the word "illegal" is used to describe an act etc that is a criminal act, rather than alleged infringements of patents.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Anonymous Coward, 24 Jun 2005 @ 6:24am

      Re: Alleged infringement of patent and illegality.

      Infringing on a patent is a crime in most jurisdictions worldwide...

      link to this | view in chronology ]


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