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...

3 Comments | Leave a Comment..


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  1.  

    prior art

    identicon
    achacha, Jun 21st, 2005 @ 10:31am

    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.

    reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  2.  

    Alleged infringement of patent and illegality..

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

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

    reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  3.  

    Re: Alleged infringement of patent and illegality.

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

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

    reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]


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