Apple Blocks Google App From iPhone While Trying To Patent The Same Invention?
from the ah,-monopolies dept
Christopher alerts us to the news of an Apple patent application (20090325603) that was just published that appears quite similar to Google's location tracking service, Google Latitude. What makes this story more interesting is the fact that Apple barred Google Lattitude from the iPhone app store. Of course, Apple has a history of barring competitive apps, but that's also brought about regulatory scrutiny from the federal government over whether or not Apple is abusing its market position. Blocking an app while patenting the same thing certainly doesn't look good. But, of course, isn't that what patenting is all about? It's a government granted system for blocking competitors.Filed Under: competition, location based services, patents
Companies: apple, google
