Teknovis

After reading Apple granted patent for using apps during calls over the weekend, I realise that I have been infringing this patent for years :)

Actually the article seems misguided:

At present, smartphone users can either make calls or use apps – they can’t do both.

And

… for example, being able to take part in a conference call over your smartphone and interacting with information or data contained within a specific business app.

I have actually been doing both of these examples for years on my HTC P3600 (with the help of a hands-free kit)!

Tags: Apple, HTC

I was very surprised to read today that Openwave is going to sell all of its products and focus exclusively on its patents! See Openwave Puts Products Up for Sale.

I notice that Openwave’s web page now reads “Inventors of the Mobile Internet”, but maybe it has been like this for a while!

I have not decided yet if this is a good or bad strategy! I guess that it would be bad if Openwave pursues a patent troll approach. On the other hand, I wonder how much manufacturing Apple does (if any).

Tags: Apple, Openwave

Google has been buying more patents to strengthen its IP portfolio. This time it bought over a thousand patents from IBM, according to Google buys another round of IBM patents as its Oracle trial nears.

I have heard that buying patents from IBM is like buying sweets in a sweet shop :) IBM is very willing to sell patents (albeit at a high price), and there are plenty for sale, but the difficulty is actually finding one that is useful!

Tags: Google, IBM

Somebody brought this article to my attention today: Apple gets killer location services patent.

I bet Apple is really excited about this, and Google is probably the most worried!

In fairness, I am not sure if this patent would remain valid if challenged :o

Tags: Apple, Google

Some of Microsoft‘s latest, and more creative, patents are described in Microsoft Patents Manipulation Of 3D Virtual Objects, Throwing Gestures.

I have actually seen very similar ideas presented already, and I am sure these would be invalidating prior art!

Tags: Microsoft

The EPO Patent Information Conference 2011 is being held in Ireland this year, and it is starting tomorrow.

Patents are certainly getting a lot of media coverage these days (for better or for worse)!

Tags: EPO, Ireland

I came across this cool interactive feature describing all of Steve Jobs’s patents today – Steve Jobs’s Patents.

Apparently, Steve has a very direct involvement with Apple‘s patent activities, according to Steve Jobs’ patents: A vital lesson for CEOs.

Tags: Apple, Steve Jobs

I read a very good overview of the current patent war this morning in Patent war pending. I agree with the sentiments expressed. In particular, patents are becoming most valuable as a Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) asset.

I do not think this is derisible, it certainly stifles innovation, but it is unfortunately the reality :(

In response to the electronic shipping notification patent described in The Week in Patents, a friend told me about an interesting bread refreshing patent (US6080436). The novel method described in this patent should not be confused with toasting the bread, and any similarities are coincidental!

Actually, it is a nice patent because it is so short and to the point (check the claims), and I guess this is why the examination process was so short. Still, you really have to wonder how this was granted by an examiner!

Honestly, I am not sure if this post is more appropriately filed under “Patents” or “Humour”!

So Google has surprised everybody by buying Motorola Mobility today. See Google Buys Motorola Mobility For $12.5B, Says “Android Will Stay Open” (or any mainstream news website).

I think that this is a very positive development for the ongoing development of Android. Both technically, and due to the patent portfolio that Google has just acquired.

It is also a very rewarding development for anybody with Motorola Mobility stock!

Tags: Google, Motorola