Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Samsung: 'Lawyers didn't design the Galaxy S III']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/samsung-lawyers-galaxy-s-iii-design/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/samsung-lawyers-galaxy-s-iii-design/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/samsung-lawyers-galaxy-s-iii-design/#comments Image

Samsung design VP Chang Dong-hoon has refuted accusations that the Galaxy S III was designed "by lawyers." Responding to the reports that stated the new handset was tweaked to circumvent deliberate trade dress claims made by Cupertino in its lawsuit, he said that the redesign is part of the company's five-year plan rather than a sudden change. He went on to say that the flagship went through hundreds of iterations before the team alighted upon the model that will shortly make its way into sweaty palms all over the world.

Samsung: 'Lawyers didn't design the Galaxy S III' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAppleChang Dong-hoonChangDong-hoonCopyrightGalaxy S IIIGalaxySIiiGoogleLawsuitLawyersLitigationmobilepostminiPatentSamsungSamsung Galaxy S IIISamsungGalaxySIiiTrade DressTradeDressTue, 22 May 2012 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung chief: we're open to a cross-licensing deal with Apple, but 4G chip shortage might last until the fall]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/samsung-chief-says-open-to-cross-licensing-deal-with-apple/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/samsung-chief-says-open-to-cross-licensing-deal-with-apple/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/samsung-chief-says-open-to-cross-licensing-deal-with-apple/#comments Image

The at times very heated legal battle between Apple and Samsung might be softening just a bit ahead of truce talks on May 21st. Samsung's mobile head JK Shin just left Seoul for the mediated discussions saying there were still "several negotiation options" on tap, including the possibility of cross-licensing patents. He warned that there was still a "big gap" between the two sides, and we'd tend to agree -- neither Apple nor Samsung is exactly backing off just yet. However, it's a definite shift in language from March, when Shin was vowing "no compromise," and it parallels Apple CEO Tim Cook's own disdain for lawsuits. We just wouldn't bet money on the two singing "Kumbaya" this week.

In same breath, Shin added that an ongoing 4G chipset shortage wasn't letting up: he didn't see things getting better until the start of the fourth quarter, or October for us common folk. That's a problem for Samsung's phones and tablets most of all, of course, and in a dire case could see LTE-packing American Galaxy S III variants rely on other vendors' chips to stay on the 4G bandwagon. There's also a chance of a ripple effect on other companies that want Samsung's parts, but short of getting a peek at Samsung's inner workings, we won't know the full impact for awhile yet.

Samsung chief: we're open to a cross-licensing deal with Apple, but 4G chip shortage might last until the fall originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2012 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4G LTE4G LTE Chipset4gLte4gLteChipsetandroidAppleapple ipadApple iPhoneAppleIpadAppleIphonecellphonecellphonescross licensingcross-licensingCrossLicensinggalaxy s 3galaxy s iiigalaxy tabGalaxyS3GalaxySIiiGalaxyTabipadiphonejk shinJkShinlawsuitlawsuitsLTEmediationmobilemobilepostcrosspatentpatent lawsuitpatent suitPatentLawsuitpatentsPatentSuitsamsungsamsung galaxy s 3samsung galaxy s iiiSamsung Galaxy TabSamsungGalaxyS3SamsungGalaxySIiiSamsungGalaxyTabsettlementsettlementssmartphonesmartphonestim cookTimCookSun, 20 May 2012 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple files (again) for a preliminary ban against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/apple-files-again-for-a-preliminary-ban-against-samsung/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/apple-files-again-for-a-preliminary-ban-against-samsung/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/apple-files-again-for-a-preliminary-ban-against-samsung/#comments Apple's filed for a preliminary injunction (again)

If you found yourself longing for the minor tweaks Samsung made to the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Germany earlier this year, you may be in luck: Apple's filed for a preliminary injunction against the slate stateside. It isn't the first one, either, Cupertino filed something similar back in February, though it didn't quite pass legal muster. After gaining some headway earlier this week, Cook's crew is in for round two, according to FOSS Patents, asking for Judge Koh to rule in their favor without a new hearing. Concerned consumers, however, can sidestep the whole mess by simply opting for an injunction-exempt Galaxy Tab 2. Details and speculation can be found at the source link below, just in case you aren't already sick to death of the whole Samsung / Apple spat.

Apple files (again) for a preliminary ban against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 May 2012 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealappealsappeals courtAppealsCourtapplecafcfederal courtFederalCourtGalaxy Tab 10.1GalaxyTab10.1injunctionipadJudge Lucy KohJudgeLucyKohlawsuitlegallitigationpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpatentsprSat, 19 May 2012 02:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple, HTC ordered by judge to sit down, try and make nice on August 28th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/apple-and-htc-ordered-by-judge-to-sit-down-in-mediation/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/apple-and-htc-ordered-by-judge-to-sit-down-in-mediation/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/apple-and-htc-ordered-by-judge-to-sit-down-in-mediation/#comments HTC's Cher Wang at Apple Store

There's a trend starting to emerge of judges wanting Apple to talk settlements with others rather than duke it out in the courtroom. Just two weeks after Apple and Samsung were steered towards talking about a potential deal, a Delaware court has ordered Apple and HTC to meet on August 28th in the hopes that they could shake hands and put an end to an increasingly hectic legal battle under the eyes of a mediating judge. Whether or not that happens is very much up in the air. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said he's not a fan of lawsuits, but he hasn't showed indications that he would take legal action off the table just yet. Likewise, HTC is no doubt eager to eliminate phone shipping delays stemming from Apple's court wins, but the lack of immediate pressure and the hopes of winning countersuits might lead it to hold off. Still, if the court's ideal vision of the world comes to pass, you could see HTC's Cher Wang shopping in an Apple Store without staff giving her the evil eye.

[Image credit: mobile01]

Apple, HTC ordered by judge to sit down, try and make nice on August 28th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementandroidAppleApple iPhoneAppleIphonecellphonecellphonescourtcourtroomdealdealshtciphonejudgelawsuitlawsuitsmediationmobilepostcrossnegotiationnegotiationspatentPatent Disputepatent infringementPatentDisputePatentInfringementpatentssettlementsettlementssmartphonesmartphonestalkstruceThu, 17 May 2012 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple gets another bite, wins appeal to pursue preliminary injunction against Samsung]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/apple-gets-another-bite-wins-appeal-to-pursue-preliminary-injun/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/apple-gets-another-bite-wins-appeal-to-pursue-preliminary-injun/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/apple-gets-another-bite-wins-appeal-to-pursue-preliminary-injun/#comments Apple gets another bite, wins appeal to pursue preliminary injunction against Samsung

We'll forgive you if you've forgotten, given the myriad Apple/Samsung legal shenanigans, but back in February, Apple attempted to obtain a preliminary injunction against Samsung to prevent the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and a few phones from being sold in the US. Samsung emerged victorious, as the district court denied Cupertino's request because it questioned the validity of a couple of Apple's patents and didn't see how Apple would be irreparably harmed if it failed to get Sammy's products banned. Naturally, Tim Cook's crew appealed that decision, and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) has decided to give Apple another crack at obtaining an injunction. The CAFC upheld the lower court's ruling as to three of the four patents, but found fault with the District Court's holding that Apple's tablet design patent had substantial questions of validity.

Essentially, the lower court held that Apple's patent was likely no good because it was an obvious design in light of two tablets that were created long before Apple patented the iPad's look. However, the CAFC found that one of the previous slate's asymmetrical bezel and lack of an unbroken, all-glass surface (among other differences) were sufficient to render Apple's patent non-obvious. Basically, the appellate court found that the District court "construed the claimed design too broadly," and remanded the issue so that the district court could complete its preliminary injunction analysis. So, Apple's cleared a big hurdle towards getting the Galaxy Tab 10.1 off the US market, but the company's still got to persuade Judge Koh that it'll be irreparably harmed without the injunction. This decision assures even longer legal proceedings, but given how well both of these tech titans are doing these days, we're pretty sure they can afford the attorneys' fees.

Apple gets another bite, wins appeal to pursue preliminary injunction against Samsung originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealappealsappeals courtAppealsCourtapplecafcfederal courtFederalCourtgalaxy tab 10.1GalaxyTab10.1injunctionipadJudge Lucy KohJudgeLucyKohlawsuitlegallitigationpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpatentspreliminary injunctionPreliminaryInjunctionsamsungMon, 14 May 2012 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod owners notified of RealNetworks-related lawsuit's class action status, given chance to cash in (updated: not Real)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/ipod-owners-notified-of-realnetworks-lawsuit-class-action/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/ipod-owners-notified-of-realnetworks-lawsuit-class-action/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/ipod-owners-notified-of-realnetworks-lawsuit-class-action/#comments iPod nano thumbs up

Remember the 2005 lawsuit over Apple's effort to keep RealNetworks' Harmony DRM off of the iPod, calling the countermeasures an abuse that locked customers into Apple's FairPlay copy protection and the iTunes Store? You're forgiven if you don't -- the complaint was filed in 2005. Even with iTunes having gone primarily DRM-free over three years ago, though, owners of iPods bought between September 12th, 2006 and March 31st, 2009 are just now getting notices that they qualify for a slice of any damages if they register and Rhapsody's former owner the class action group wins in court. Of course, there's no guarantee that RealNetworks former Rhapsody users will win and get you music money to feed your iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano or iPod touch, but unless you're planning to sue Apple yourself, there's no penalty for a legitimate claim.

Update: RealNetworks has chipped in to let us know that it's "not involved in any way" with the lawsuit, which is actually an independent complaint centered around the Rhapsody users themselves. RealNetworks hasn't embroiled itself in a legal fight with Apple to date.

iPod owners notified of RealNetworks-related lawsuit's class action status, given chance to cash in (updated: not Real) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrustantitrust lawsuitAntitrustLawsuitAppleaudioclass actionclass action lawsuitClassActionClassActionLawsuitcopy protectionCopyProtectionDRMDRM-freefairplayFairPlay DRMFairplayDrmharmonyharmony drmHarmonyDrmiPodipod classicipod nanoipod touchIpodClassicIpodNanoIpodTouchiTunesitunes music storeitunes storeItunesMusicStoreItunesStorelawsuitlawsuitsmusicRealNetworksrhapsodyThu, 10 May 2012 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple and Samsung finally agree... to drop a plethora of claims from their patent spat]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/apple-and-samsung-finally-agree-to-drop-a-plethora-of-claims-fr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/apple-and-samsung-finally-agree-to-drop-a-plethora-of-claims-fr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/apple-and-samsung-finally-agree-to-drop-a-plethora-of-claims-fr/#comments Apple and Samsung finally agree... to drop a plethora of claims from their patent spat

Last week, Judge Lucy Koh informed Apple and Samsung that they would have to reduce the number of patent claims at issue in the parties' Northern District of California litigation. And now, each has complied, with Samsung dropping its total number of asserted patent claims from 75 to 15, while dismissing two patents from the case altogether. For its part, Apple has reduced its case to one claim from each of its asserted utility patents, its four iPhone and one iPad design patents, and its trade dress claims for those two devices. Keep in mind, however, that they did so without prejudice, which means that either party can reassert these dismissed claims in a later lawsuit. That said, the parties have at least attempted to placate Judge Koh in order to keep their July 30th trial date, which is when the real legal fireworks begin. Feel free to check the filings below for the full scope of this most recent patent pruning.

Apple and Samsung finally agree... to drop a plethora of claims from their patent spat originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleclaimsinfringementjudge lucy kohJudgeLucyKohlawsuitlegallitigationpatentpatent claimspatent infringementPatentClaimsPatentInfringementpatentssamsungTue, 08 May 2012 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple and Samsung set to meet May 21st, hug it out over 48 hours]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/28/apple-samsung-patent-mediation-court-date/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/28/apple-samsung-patent-mediation-court-date/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/28/apple-samsung-patent-mediation-court-date/#comments Apple and Samsung set to meet May 21st, hug it out over 48 hours

These two brawlers were given until July to come together and mediate over their numerous globe-spanning patent lawsuits, but it appears neither side needs to wait that long. According to Foss Patents, May 21st and 22nd have been circled on the calendar of a certain San Francisco courthouse, where Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero will attempt to arbitrate in a calm, soothing voice for two days straight. Presenting himself as a confidant who sits outside of the main litigation being conducted in San Jose, Spero has already asked both parties to open up and provide "candid" statements about the strengths and weaknesses of their own cases, as a first step towards identifying areas of compromise. Fortunately, he still has a few weeks in which to devise further cunning plans.

Continue reading Apple and Samsung set to meet May 21st, hug it out over 48 hours

Apple and Samsung set to meet May 21st, hug it out over 48 hours originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecompromisecourtcourthousecunning planCunningPlanJoseph C. SperoJosephC.Sperolawsuitlawsuitslitigationmediationminipostmobilepostcrossnegotiationpatentpatent battlepatent infringementpatent litigationPatentBattlePatentInfringementPatentLitigationpatentssamsungsan franciscoSanFranciscoSat, 28 Apr 2012 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese official says Proview owns iPad trademark in China, court battle continues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/chinese-offical-says-proview-owns-ipad-trademark-in-china-court/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/chinese-offical-says-proview-owns-ipad-trademark-in-china-court/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/chinese-offical-says-proview-owns-ipad-trademark-in-china-court/#comments

Who knew some funky capitalization could cause so much trouble? Proview -- the purveyor of that 90s-era all-in-one called the iPAD -- hasn't let up in its fight to wrestle the rights to the iPad name from iPad maker Apple. The legal antics started in China, where Proview temporarily managed to get Apple's tablet booted off store shelves before being rebuffed by a Shanghai court -- after which the company promptly brought the case stateside. It's been all quiet on the iPad trademark front for a solid month now, but a report from All Things D indicates that the squabble is still going strong. Today the Chinese vice minister for the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) declared that Proview is, in fact, the rightful owner of the iPad trademark. The SAIC has so far kept mum about the iPad trademark spat, so its decision to break that silence is sure to carry some weight when it comes time for the Chinese higher court to hand down its verdict.

Chinese official says Proview owns iPad trademark in China, court battle continues originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple ipadAppleIpadcourtipadlawsuitlawsuitslegallegal newsLegalNewsminipostproviewproview ipadProview Technology ipadProviewIpadProviewTechnologyProviewTechnologyIpadTrademarktrademarksTue, 24 Apr 2012 23:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Cook hates litigation, not quite ready to call a patent truce]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/tim-cook-hates-litigation-not-quite-ready-to-call-a-patent-truc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/tim-cook-hates-litigation-not-quite-ready-to-call-a-patent-truc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/tim-cook-hates-litigation-not-quite-ready-to-call-a-patent-truc/#comments Tim Cook hates litigation, not quite ready to call a patent truce

Tired of the ongoing patent wars? Well, Tim Cook gave us some reason to hope. In response to a question about the potential for settlements in the current pile of lawsuits on the company's plate, the CEO seemed open to the idea. In fact, he used the "h" word to describe is feelings towards the process. "I've always hated litigation. I continue to hate it," he said, before striking a slightly more combative tone to clarify, "I just want people to invent their own stuff." So there you go, stop stealing Apple's inventions and its lawyers won't sue. Seems simple enough. The urge to avoid further legal tussles seems genuine though, saying that, if an acceptable agreement could be struck he'd "highly prefer to settle rather than battle."

Tim Cook hates litigation, not quite ready to call a patent truce originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleearningsearnings callEarningsCalllawsuitlegallitigationpatentPatent DisputePatentDisputepatentssettlementtim cookTimCookTue, 24 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Antitrust suit carries on against Intel, Apple, Google and others]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/antitrust-suit-carries-on-against-intel-apple-google-and-other/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/antitrust-suit-carries-on-against-intel-apple-google-and-other/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/antitrust-suit-carries-on-against-intel-apple-google-and-other/#comments Antitrust suit carries on against intel, apple, google and others

They can hope and pray all that they want, but Google, Intel, Apple, Adobe, Intuit, Pixar and Lucasfilm will soon be facing some serious accusations in a courtroom under the Sherman Antitrust Act and California's Cartwright Act. After years of trying to dodge legal action over an "informal agreement" to not pinch each others employees, and an effort to have the case dismissed, the seven defendants will have to stand trial as ordered by District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California. In her decision Koh said, not only was there evidence that these agreements were made at the highest levels of the company but, that six such deals were struck in secret in such a short time frame "suggests that these agreements resulted from collusion." There's still time for yet another deal to be struck, however, this time between the defendants and the DOJ. Otherwise it looks like all seven will have to stand trial in June of 2013.

Antitrust suit carries on against Intel, Apple, Google and others originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeanti competitiveAntiCompetitiveantitrustappleCalifornias Cartwright ActCaliforniasCartwrightActclass actionclass action lawsuitClassActionClassActionLawsuitdepartment of justiceDepartmentOfJusticedojemployeegooglehiringindustryintelintuitinvestigationjudge lucy kohJudgeLucyKohlawlawsuitlucasfilmlucasfilm ltdLucasfilmLtdpixarSherman Antitrust ActShermanAntitrustActFri, 20 Apr 2012 10:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple and Samsung CEOs set to sit down, attempt to settle disputes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/apple-and-samsung-ceos-set-to-sit-down-attempt-to-settle-disput/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/apple-and-samsung-ceos-set-to-sit-down-attempt-to-settle-disput/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/apple-and-samsung-ceos-set-to-sit-down-attempt-to-settle-disput/#comments

With countless suits filed across the globe, the CEOs of Apple and Samsung surely have a lot to talk about. Thankfully, they'll be getting the chance to do exactly that (with lawyers in tow, naturally) at some point over the next 90 days, according to FOSS Patents. Both sides are apparently "willing to participate" in a sit down overseen by a magistrate judge. Clearly a ruling of hugging it out is needed in this case.

Update: Here's Samsung's official reply on the matter: "At the direction of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Samsung and Apple have agreed to participate in a Magistrate Judge Settlement Conference. This settlement conference will take place within 90 days, with the presence of each party's chief executive officer and general counsel."

Apple and Samsung CEOs set to sit down, attempt to settle disputes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleceocourtcourt orderCourtOrderlawsuitminipostsamsungTue, 17 Apr 2012 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple says e-book price fixing charges 'simply not true,' Macmillan also responds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/apple-says-e-book-price-fixing-charges-simply-not-true/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/apple-says-e-book-price-fixing-charges-simply-not-true/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/apple-says-e-book-price-fixing-charges-simply-not-true/#comments Apple says e-book price fixing charges Not that we were expecting Apple and Macmillan to simply fess up and say, "you're right, totally tried to circumvent the free market," but both companies have come out swinging pretty hard against the allegations of price fixing. Apple has rejected the charges, calling them "simply not true." A company spokesman, Tom Neumayr, went so far as to tell Reuters that Cupertino was actually fostering competition by "breaking Amazon's monopolistic grip on the publishing industry." John Sargent, the CEO of Macmillan, defended his company's behavior in blog post, saying the publisher had done nothing illegal and that the concessions sought by the DOJ in settlement negotiations were "too onerous." It looks like the next step for both is to face off with the US government in court -- a daunting task, no matter how large your war chest.

Apple says e-book price fixing charges 'simply not true,' Macmillan also responds originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agency pricingAgencyPricingantitrustappledepartment of justiceDepartmentOfJusticedoje booke bookse readere readerse-booke-book pricingE-bookPricinge-bookse-readere-readersjohn sargentJohnSargentJustice DepartmentJusticeDepartmentlawsuitmacmillanprice fixingPriceFixingFri, 13 Apr 2012 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[German court upholds ban on iCloud and MobileMe push emails]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/german-court-upholds-ban-on-icloud-and-mobileme-push-emails/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/german-court-upholds-ban-on-icloud-and-mobileme-push-emails/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/german-court-upholds-ban-on-icloud-and-mobileme-push-emails/#comments German court upholds ban on iCloud and MobileMe push emailsIt's been well over a month now since Apple suspended push email from its iCloud and MobileMe services, and it doesn't look like it will be switching them back on any time soon. According to the Wall Street Journal, a German regional court has backed the ban, upholding Motorola Mobility's claims of patent infringements. The court agreed that Apple must also pay damages to Motorola, but has yet to agree on an amount. So, for now, users will need to stick to manually fetching updates, and hope a final agreement can be met further down the line.

German court upholds ban on iCloud and MobileMe push emails originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecloudcourtgermangermanyicloudinjunctionjudgelawlawsuitlegalmannheim regional courtMannheimRegionalCourtmotorolapatentstorageFri, 13 Apr 2012 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4 owners can register for $15 antennagate settlements (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/iphone-4-owners-who-dont-want-free-bumpers-can-register-for-15/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/iphone-4-owners-who-dont-want-free-bumpers-can-register-for-15/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/iphone-4-owners-who-dont-want-free-bumpers-can-register-for-15/#comments The official website for the iPhone 4 "antennagate" class action settlement is live, as pointed out by co-lead counsel on the case Ira Rothken. Of course, speaking of cases, if you're an iPhone 4 owner who has taken advantage of the free bumpers Apple's been offering since 2010 then you're not still eligible for the $15 settlement. Customers who meet the requirements (experienced antenna issues, couldn't return your phone without incurring costs, don't want to put on a bumper or case and either completed troubleshooting or no longer own the phone) can opt for the payout and file their claim at the website linked below. Of course, assuming you're not a stickler for that skin-to-metal and glass feel the case is probably the better deal overall, but as long as this issue is finally dead and buried we can probably all walk away happy.

Update: Turns out it doesn't matter if you scored yourself a free bumper or not, so long as you don't actually use it you can still register for your share of the settlement. So, if you took the consolation prize offered at the time, but have grown to hate it, now's your chance to make $15.

iPhone 4 owners can register for $15 antennagate settlements (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennagateapplebumperclass actionclass action lawsuitClassActionClassActionLawsuitiphone 4Iphone4lawsuitmobilepostminisettlementThu, 29 Mar 2012 06:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's second slide-to-unlock case against Samsung stayed in Germany]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/apple-samsung-slide-to-unlock-patent-case-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/apple-samsung-slide-to-unlock-patent-case-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/apple-samsung-slide-to-unlock-patent-case-germany/#comments Nothing like a little drama in the ongoing never-ending saga between Samsung and Apple to spice up your Friday morning, eh? As legions of consumers are cashing in a vacation day in order to pick up one of Apple's newest iPads, a court in Mannheim, Germany has stayed Apple's second slide-to-unlock case. According to FOSS Patents, the decision was made for the "duration of a parallel proceeding before the German Patent and Trademark Office that could lead to the revocation, in whole or in part, of Apple's slide-to-unlock utility model." Purportedly, the judge said that the court was not convinced of the "validity of that intellectual property right in all respects, with particular concern about the broadest group of claims." Lawyers who'd love to do nothing more than read about things related to their profession can tap that source link; everyone else can resume their best efforts of trying to be Woz when they grow up.

Apple's second slide-to-unlock case against Samsung stayed in Germany originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecasecourtgermangermanylawsuitlegalMannheimmobilepostcrosspatentsamsungslide to unlockSlideToUnlocksuittrademarkFri, 16 Mar 2012 11:21:00 EST<![CDATA[The Hague to Samsung: no injunction for 3G patent infringement if Apple's willing to FRAND license]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/the-hague-to-samsung-no-injunction-for-3g-patent-infringement-i/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/the-hague-to-samsung-no-injunction-for-3g-patent-infringement-i/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/the-hague-to-samsung-no-injunction-for-3g-patent-infringement-i/#comments The Hague tells Samsung: no injunctions for alleged 3G patent infringement if Apple's willing to license the IP Since it's been more than 24 hours since the last bit of news in the ongoing legal battle between Samsung and Apple, we figured you could do with another litigation revelation. Late last year, the Hague shot down Sammy's request to prevent iPads and iPhones from being sold in the Netherlands. Today, the Dutch court went a step further, telling the Korean company that it can't pursue any other injunctions based upon its FRAND 3G patents as long as Cupertino's willing to talk about licensing them. Not only that, it went on to hold that those patents don't apply in Sammy's case against the iPhone 4S due to the theory of patent exhaustion. The allegedly infringing bits in the handset are made by Qualcomm, who licensed the technology directly from Samsung -- granting Apple protection under the license as a third party beneficiary -- and Apple prevailed using arguments not unlike those it made in a suit it recently filed against Motorola. Score one more legal victory for Tim Cook and company, but as you already know, the war is far from over.

The Hague to Samsung: no injunction for 3G patent infringement if Apple's willing to FRAND license originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gappledutchfrandintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyiplawsuitlegallicenselicensinglitigationnetherlandspatentpatent exhaustionPatentExhaustionpatentsqualcommsamsungthe hagueTheHagueWed, 14 Mar 2012 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple simplifies its ITC suit against Samsung: drops one patent and several claims from two more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/apple-simplifies-its-itc-suit-against-samsung-drops-one-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/apple-simplifies-its-itc-suit-against-samsung-drops-one-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/apple-simplifies-its-itc-suit-against-samsung-drops-one-patent/#commentsWhile there's been plenty of legal wrangling between Apple and Samsung in Federal courtrooms lately, it's been awhile since we've had news from the parties' parallel proceedings occurring in the ITC. No longer. Last week, Apple received a favorable outcome when the ITC issued its claim construction order, siding with Apple's interpretations of two patents -- for those who aren't familiar, claim construction is the process by which the judge determines the meaning of specific terms in the claims, and it often has great influence on findings of infringement (or non-infringement). The judge found in favor of Samsung regarding one patent in his claim construction order, however, and now Apple has dropped that patent from the proceedings, along with claims from two of its other patents as well. This latest legal maneuvering by Cupertino is pretty standard fare, as paring down the legal issues is something all courts encourage to make the adjudication process more efficient, and Apple is simply distilling its case down to its strongest arguments. Now that the claim construction's complete, next on the docket is the ITC's evidentiary hearing (read: trial) starting May 31st, and afterwards we'll finally get the ITC's decision. Stay tuned.

Apple simplifies its ITC suit against Samsung: drops one patent and several claims from two more originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleclaim constructionClaimConstructionintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyipitclawsuitlegallitigationpatentpatentssamsungMon, 12 Mar 2012 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge says Apple can't pursue patent infringement case against Kodak]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/judge-says-apple-cant-pursue-patent-infringement-case-against-k/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/judge-says-apple-cant-pursue-patent-infringement-case-against-k/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/judge-says-apple-cant-pursue-patent-infringement-case-against-k/#comments Apple was dealt a setback today in its efforts to prevent Kodak from selling up to $2.6 billion worth of digital imaging patents, with U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Allan Gropper ruling that it would be an "inappropriate way forward" to allow Apple to pursue patent litigation against the bankrupt company. For its part, Apple had argued that one of those patents -- concerning the ability to preview digital photos on an LCD screen -- was "misappropriated" from its own technology, and that Kodak therefore shouldn't be allowed to sell it off as part of the planned sale (something Kodak obviously disputes). On that point, the judge did agree that the matter should be resolved soon, just not in the manner in which Apple had been proceeding, further adding that he "would request that the parties report to me on their efforts to come up with a procedure that truly works."

Judge says Apple can't pursue patent infringement case against Kodak originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebankruptcykodaklawsuitlegallitigationpatentpatent infringementpatent suitPatentInfringementpatentsPatentSuitThu, 08 Mar 2012 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Justice Department preparing Apple iBooks antitrust lawsuit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/justice-department-ibooks-antitrust/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/justice-department-ibooks-antitrust/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/justice-department-ibooks-antitrust/#comments
The Justice Department is reportedly preparing to go after Apple, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, Penguin, Macmillan and HarperCollins following its investigation into alleged e-book price-rigging. The case centers around a deal to switch to agency pricing, where the vendor takes a 30 percent cut of each sale, rather than the wholesale model that gives publishers more flexibility to reduce prices or even sell e-books at a loss. Some publishers are now trying to agree on a new policy in an effort to stave off the kind of federal suit that nobody wants to wear.

Justice Department preparing Apple iBooks antitrust lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Agency ModelAgencyModelAntitrustAntitrust LawsuitAntitrustLawsuitAppleBusinessCartelDepartment of JusticeDepartmentOfJusticee booke bookse readere readerse-bookE-Book PricingE-Book Pricing AntitrustE-bookPricingE-bookPricingAntitruste-bookse-readere-readersHachetteHarperCollinsJustice DepartmentJusticeDepartmentLawsuitMacmillanPenguinSimon SchusterSimonSchusterWholesale ModelWholesaleModelWSJThu, 08 Mar 2012 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung files yet another lawsuit against Apple in South Korea]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/samsung-v-apple-korea/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/samsung-v-apple-korea/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/samsung-v-apple-korea/#comments
In the global courtroom conflict that threatens to outlast the Thirty-Years War, Samsung has commenced yet another lawsuit against Apple. Filed in a Seoul court, this particular litigation broadside alleges that Cupertino has infringed patents on the displaying of data, user interface and short text messages -- sigh.

Samsung files yet another lawsuit against Apple in South Korea originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 04:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple v SamsungAppleVSamsungLawsuitLitigationminipostPatentPatent LitigationPatentLitigationPatentsSamsungSamsung v AppleSamsungVAppleSouth KoreaSouthKoreaWed, 07 Mar 2012 04:57:00 EST<![CDATA[German court guns down third Samsung patent lawsuit, plus one from Apple]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/judge-guns-down-samsung-and-apple-patent-lawsuits/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/judge-guns-down-samsung-and-apple-patent-lawsuits/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/judge-guns-down-samsung-and-apple-patent-lawsuits/#comments Mannheim judge Andreas Voss is nothing if not decisive. FOSSPatents reports he's just thrown out a third Samsung v. Apple patent lawsuit relating to use of the 3G/UMTS standard. Not to be one-sided, he's also rejected the first of two Apple v. Samsung cases involving slide-to-unlock patents. Weirdly, this latter decision appears to contradict a recent ruling by a Munich court that upheld a similar slide-to-unlock claim by Apple against Motorola, but Judge Voss and his trigger-finger aren't bothered. Keep it up old boy, and maybe we can have this whole thing nailed by the summer. Oh wait, no, both sides are expected to appeal.

German court guns down third Samsung patent lawsuit, plus one from Apple originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple vs samsungAppleVsSamsungfosspatentsgermanylawsuitmannheimpatentsamsungsamsung vs appleSamsungVsAppleslide-to-unlockFri, 02 Mar 2012 05:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple scores temporary ruling in Motorola battle, can keep selling iPads, iPhones in Germany]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/apple-scores-temporary-ruling-in-motorola-battle-can-keep-selli/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/apple-scores-temporary-ruling-in-motorola-battle-can-keep-selli/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/apple-scores-temporary-ruling-in-motorola-battle-can-keep-selli/#comments Apple today won a victory in Germany in its on-going legal dispute with Motorola Mobility. An appeals court in that country ruled that Cupertino can continue to offer its wares in its online store while it appeals a ruling that temporarily barred their sale. According to the court, the continuation of such a ban on iPads and iPhones would affect Motorola's abilities to maintain its "duties under antitrust rules." The temporary ruling is the latest in an on-going legal tug of war between the two handset makers in that country.

Apple scores temporary ruling in Motorola battle, can keep selling iPads, iPhones in Germany originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebanessential patentessential patentsEssentialPatentEssentialPatentsgermanylawsuitmobilepostcrossmotorolapatentpatent disputePatentDisputetemporary rulingTemporaryRulingMon, 27 Feb 2012 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai court rejects Proview injunction, okays the sale of Apple iPads (update: Proview sues Apple in US courts)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/shanghai-court-rejects-ipad-ban/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/shanghai-court-rejects-ipad-ban/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/shanghai-court-rejects-ipad-ban/#comments The legal tussle between Apple and Proview over the iPad has swung in Cupertino's direction. According to Chinese news outlet Xinmin, a Shanghai court has rebuffed Proview's demand for an injunction halting the sale of the Apple tablet due to licensing issues. The Pudong New Area People's Court made the decision yesterday, stating that while the Guangdong court case has yet to make a final decision on who owns the "iPad" trademark, there wasn't enough evidence on Proview's side to honor an injunction.

For those who've just caught up with the story, here's a quick overview: starting in 2000, Proview's Taiwan branch registered the "iPad" trademark in several countries, with the Shenzhen branch doing the same in China. Apple then bought worldwide rights from Proview Taiwan, which would have included China. Proview Shenzhen, who has gone into debt restructuring since 2010, is now saying that it never authorized its Taiwan counterpart to do so, but Apple claims that it has Proview Shenzhen's signatures on the paperwork. It looks like eventually it's going to get easier to grab that iPad in China, though if Apple's appeal case in the Guangdong court fails, then Proview could easily strike again with more ammo.

Update: Looks like Proview is bringing the fight to Apple's home turf. We've just learned that the Chinese company filed a lawsuit against the Cupertino firm on February 17th in Santa Clara County, California, where it alleges deception in Apple's purchase of the iPad trademark. [WSJ]

Shanghai court rejects Proview injunction, okays the sale of Apple iPads (update: Proview sues Apple in US courts) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebanchinacourtguangdonginjunctionipadlawsuitproviewpudongsaleshanghaitablettrademarkThu, 23 Feb 2012 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft files EU antitrust complaint against Motorola Mobility, claims unfair licensing practices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/microsoft-files-eu-antitrust-complaint-against-motorola-mobility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/microsoft-files-eu-antitrust-complaint-against-motorola-mobility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/microsoft-files-eu-antitrust-complaint-against-motorola-mobility/#commentsEarly last week, the European Commission gave Google its blessing regarding the purchase of Motorola Mobility. But the honeymoon has been anything but relaxing for the search giant and its latest power-play acquisition, after Apple filed an antitrust complaint, claiming a breach of the company's FRAND obligations. Now Microsoft is waiving the antitrust flag as well, claiming that the company is reportedly abusing its standard-essential patents, impeding fair access to patents that are fundamental to regular device function -- this time dealing with video streaming and wireless connectivity. Microsoft Deputy General Counsel Dave Heiner has posted an appeal to the company's TechNet blog, outlining the issue and explaining that "Motorola is attempting to block sales of Windows PCs, our Xbox game console and other products," further claiming that "Motorola is on a path to use standard essential patents to kill video on the Web, and Google as its new owner doesn't seem to be willing to change course." The key issue at hand is patent pricing -- Microsoft claims that Motorola is demanding an impossibly high royalty of $22.50 for a $1,000 laptop, and that only covers fees for H.264 licensing. It's no secret that Motorola's patent portfolio was a key component of Google's acquisition, and so far it doesn't appear that the company is making any suggestion that Motorola ease up on licensing fees. As always, we'll be keeping an eye on the process, but hit up the source link below for the full scoop from MS.

Microsoft files EU antitrust complaint against Motorola Mobility, claims unfair licensing practices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecourtcupertinoetsieuropeEuropean CommissionEuropeanCommissionFRANDgoogleinfringementlawlawsuitlegalmicrosoftmotorolamotorola mobilityMotorolaMobilitypatentpolicystandardstransparencyumtsWed, 22 Feb 2012 09:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple asks EU regulators to step in on Motorola patent dispute]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/apple-asks-eu-regulators-to-step-in-on-motorola-patent-dispute/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/apple-asks-eu-regulators-to-step-in-on-motorola-patent-dispute/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/18/apple-asks-eu-regulators-to-step-in-on-motorola-patent-dispute/#comments Apple already asked the European Telecommunications Standards Institute for more transparency on FRAND licensing, and now it's seeking a full-blown intervention. Motorola Mobility claims it received a letter on Friday from the European Commission advising there has been a complaint against it from Apple. The letter also stated that Cupertino wants the Commission to enforce the firm's standards-essential patents that breach agreed FRAND commitments. This latest development comes just one day after a German court awarded Apple an injunction against Motorola's implementation of slide-to-unlock on smartphones, as well as an ongoing saga of similar disputes with the firm. It's also just days after the European Commission approved Google's acquisition of the handset maker, based on beliefs that it "does not itself raise competition issues."

Apple asks EU regulators to step in on Motorola patent dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecourtcupertinoetsieuropeEuropean CommissionEuropeanCommissionFRANDgoogleinfringementlawlawsuitlegalmotorolamotorola mobilityMotorolaMobilitypatentpolicystandardstransparencyumtsSat, 18 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4 antennagate class-action lawsuit settled, owners to receive $15 or a free case (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/apple-iphone-4-antennagate-lawsuit-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/apple-iphone-4-antennagate-lawsuit-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/apple-iphone-4-antennagate-lawsuit-settlement/#comments According to CNET, a class-action lawsuit over the iPhone 4's troublesome antenna, aka Antennagate, has been settled. The planned resolution will net US residents who bought one and presumably either $15 in cash or (another?) free bumper case. CNET quotes co-lead counsel Ira Rothken (who, by the way, also represents Megaupload) saying that he believes the settlement is "fair and reasonable", affecting some 25 million people who will be notified by email and through print ads in USA Today and Macworld. Once they've received the heads up, they can go to www.iPhone4Settlement.com (not up and running yet) to register their claims. When the issue first came to light back in 2010 Apple suggested holding it differently before saying it would tweak its signal display formulas and, eventually, offering the free cases. Hopefully for the company and its users, this resolution puts the issue -- which is not a problem on the new 4S -- to bed.

Update: We spoke to an Apple representative who confirmed that the settlement is for those customers who chose not to take a free case or return their phone back in 2010. It looks like holding out didn't get you much more than the option to take $15 cash instead, but we'll simply consider it a much-needed opportunity to reflect on the International Year of Biodiversity that was.

iPhone 4 antennagate class-action lawsuit settled, owners to receive $15 or a free case (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15antennaantennagateappleclass actionClassActionfree caseFreeCaseiphoneiphone 4iphone 4 antennaiPhone 4 antenna design flawIphone4Iphone4AntennaIphone4AntennaDesignFlawira rothkenIraRothkenlawsuitmobilepostcrosssettlementFri, 17 Feb 2012 22:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Hong Kong court allegedly sides with Apple in iPad name dispute]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/hong-kong-court-allegedly-sides-with-apple-in-ipad-name-dispute/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/hong-kong-court-allegedly-sides-with-apple-in-ipad-name-dispute/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/hong-kong-court-allegedly-sides-with-apple-in-ipad-name-dispute/#comments If you've been following the latest bub around the hub, you may remember Apple's recent scuff with Shenzhen-based Proview Technology -- the Chinese outfit that holds the local trademark on the name "iPad." Not only did Apple lose a trademark lawsuit for the iPad name, but some time later mainland government had the slabs removed from retailers in the city of Shjiazhuang. Now, Apple's claiming that a Hong Kong court has sided with it in a similar battle, saying in a statement to China Daily that they purchased "Proview's worldwide rights to the iPad trademark in 10 different countries several years ago," referring, perhaps, to the deal they made Taiwanese arm of the company, "Proview refuses to honor their agreement with Apple." Xie Xianghui, Proview's lawyer, shot back with his own statement, explaining that the court merely ruled that the trademark couldn't be sold to a third party before hearing ends, claiming that this move does not count as a ruling in Apple's favor. Xie went on to suggest the issue stemmed from Apple underestimating the legal complications of doing business in China.

Hong Kong court allegedly sides with Apple in iPad name dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinaintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyipadlawsuitproviewproview technologyProviewTechnologyShenzhentrademarktrademark infringementTrademarkInfringementThu, 16 Feb 2012 01:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple v. Samsung: Cupertino's latest complaint alleges 17 devices infringe 8 of its patents]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/apple-v-samsung-cupertinos-latest-complaint-alleges-17-device/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/apple-v-samsung-cupertinos-latest-complaint-alleges-17-device/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/apple-v-samsung-cupertinos-latest-complaint-alleges-17-device/#commentsApple v. Samsung: Cupertino's latest complaint alleges 17 devices infringe 8 of its patentsWe were waiting for the details of Apple's new lawsuit in its global battle against Samsung, and now that the court has posted the complaint, we have them. These fresh allegations claim Sammy has... you guessed it, infringed upon Apple's intellectual property. Turns out, there are eight patents at issue, with four of the patents in question having been granted since the last time Apple filed suit against the Korean firm. Among these are patents for missed call management, slide-to-unlock and data-syncing technology. Apple isn't just targeting the Galaxy Nexus with this suit as previously thought, either. In fact, at least 17 devices are alleged to have infringed, including all the US Galaxy S II variants, both the Galaxy Player 4.0 and 5.0, the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus and Galaxy Tab 8.9. So, should the Northern District of California decide to grant Apple's request for a preliminary injunction, a hefty chunk of Samsung's mobile products will be barred from store shelves here in the States. It'll be a bit before we hear Sammy's side of the story, but for now, you can see all of Apple's latest legal arguments below.

Apple v. Samsung: Cupertino's latest complaint alleges 17 devices infringe 8 of its patents originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegalaxy nexusgalaxy playergalaxy s iigalaxy tabGalaxyNexusGalaxyPlayerGalaxySIiGalaxyTabgsiiintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyiplawsuitlegallitigationpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpatentspreliminary injuctionPreliminaryInjuctionsamsungThu, 16 Feb 2012 01:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0N starts shipping in Germany]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/samsung-galaxy-tab-7-0n-starts-shipping-in-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/samsung-galaxy-tab-7-0n-starts-shipping-in-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/samsung-galaxy-tab-7-0n-starts-shipping-in-germany/#comments Galaxy Tab 7.0NJust like the Galaxy Tab 10.1N, the 7.0N addresses the legal "issues" surrounding Samsung's slates. The tiny tablet was unveiled last month and now it's starting to hit shelves in Germany with its lawsuit-circumventing redesign in place. It's a little later than anticipated, but our friends in Deutschland can now pick up the tweaked Tabs starting at €499 for a 16GB WiFi version, while an HSPA+ model will set TouchWiz fans back €569.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0N starts shipping in Germany originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebangalaxy tab 7.0 plusgalaxy tab 7.0NGalaxyTab7.0nGalaxyTab7.0Plusgermanyinjunctionlawsuitsamsungsamsung galaxy tab 7.0 plussamsung galaxy tab 7.0nSamsungGalaxyTab7.0nSamsungGalaxyTab7.0PlustouchwizWed, 15 Feb 2012 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple wants to file patent lawsuit against Kodak, fully aware that Kodak's bankrupt]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/apple-kodak-patent-lawsuit-bankrupt/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/apple-kodak-patent-lawsuit-bankrupt/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/apple-kodak-patent-lawsuit-bankrupt/#comments Poor Kodak just can't catch a break these days. Nearly a month after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and mere days after shuttering its digital camera business, the sputtering company now finds itself the target of no less a behemoth than Apple. Yesterday, Cupertino's legal team asked a US Bankruptcy Court for permission to go after Kodak on two legal fronts: with a patent infringement lawsuit in a Manhattan district court, and a corollary complaint in the ITC. According to Bloomberg, Apple's patent suit focuses on technologies that Kodak uses in its line of digital cameras, printers and digital picture frames. Unfortunately for Kodak, printers are one of the product areas it recently decided to focus on, as confirmed in last week's restructuring announcement. Salt, meet wound.

These two companies, of course, have been involved in an ongoing ITC battle over Kodak's image transfer technology, with the latest salvo coming last month, when the camera company launched a fresh batch of litigation against both Apple and HTC. If the bankruptcy court grants Apple's request, the company will head straight to court, in the hopes of obtaining a block against Kodak's allegedly infringing products. Kodak, meanwhile, could file a request to hold off the district level case until the ITC ruling comes through, though Apple said yesterday that it would press forward, regardless. The company was also quick to point out that it's not legally bound to request permission to sue a court-protected bankrupt company, but did so "out of an abundance of caution," which is really considerate, if you think about it.

Apple wants to file patent lawsuit against Kodak, fully aware that Kodak's bankrupt originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebankruptcybankruptcy courtBankruptcyCourtchapter 11Chapter11courtcupertinodigital cameradigital picture frameDigitalCameraDigitalPictureFrameinternational trade commissionInternationalTradeCommissionITCkodaklawlawsuitlegalpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementprinterWed, 15 Feb 2012 07:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Reports: Authorities removing iPads from stores in China, following trademark ruling]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/apple-ipad-china-seizure-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/apple-ipad-china-seizure-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/apple-ipad-china-seizure-lawsuit/#comments
Government authorities and retailers have reportedly begun removing iPads from stores in China this morning, in apparent response to a ruling issued in December. According to China's Hebei Youth Daily, local representatives of the country's Administrations of Industry and Commerce (AIC) have started confiscating Apple's tablet from retail outlets, with some merchants voluntarily removing the device from their storefronts as a preemptive measure. The scope of this operation remains unclear, though China.com reports that as of 5:00 PM yesterday, authorities had seized some 45 iPad 2s. Retailers who voluntarily removed their iPads apparently did so to protect their stocks from confiscation, and are reportedly continuing to sell the tablet behind the counter. These reports come nearly two months after Apple lost a trademark lawsuit against Proview Technology, which successfully defended its ownership of the iPad name within China. We're still waiting to see whether this is part of a larger nationwide campaign and Apple has yet to comment, but we'll update this post as soon as we hear more.

Update: China's iFeng is now reporting that these seizures took place in the city of Shijiazhuang, as part of what appears to be an isolated campaign.

Update 2: Looks like the iPad is no longer on sale at Amazon China.

Reports: Authorities removing iPads from stores in China, following trademark ruling originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Administrations of Industry and CommerceAdministrationsOfIndustryAndCommerceappleapple ipadAppleIpadasiabusinesschinachineseconfiscationcourtcupertinoindustryipadipad 2Ipad2lawsuitmoneyproviewproview technologyProviewTechnologyretailsalesseizuretrademarkMon, 13 Feb 2012 03:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple sues Motorola over Qualcomm license, makes us dream of a world without lawyers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/apple-sues-motorola-over-qualcomm-license-makes-us-dream-of-a-w/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/apple-sues-motorola-over-qualcomm-license-makes-us-dream-of-a-w/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/apple-sues-motorola-over-qualcomm-license-makes-us-dream-of-a-w/#comments Apple Sues MotorolaThere are literally no words (at least no family-friendly ones) to describe the insanity that is the ongoing legal war between practically every player in the mobile scene. You can't lay the blame entirely at Cupertino's stoop either -- Motorola, HTC and Samsung all deserve plenty of our ire as well. The tablet and smartphone industry appears to be trying to sue itself out of existence, and Apple's filing today against Motorola Mobility in the US District Court of Southern California is just latest in a long line of legal ploys likely to inspire you to slam your head against a wall. The purveyors of all things "i" has accused Moto of breaching a licensing contract with Qualcomm when Moto hit Apple with four patent claims in Germany. That license covers wireless technology Qualcomm uses in its MDM6610 chip, and also purportedly covers Qualcomm's customers who purchase and use said chips. Naturally, that bit of silicon is a component in the iPhone 4S, so Apple argues that it's safe under the terms of the contract. Furthermore, Cupertino claims Motorola is barred from suing under the doctrine of exhaustion -- which is a legal defense that once a patented item is sold (i.e. when Moto licensed its technology to Qualcomm), the patentee's control over that item is exhausted and it can't sue anyone else for infringement.

So, this new suit filed in San Diego seeks to prevent Motorola from enforcing its claims in Deutschland. It also aims to keep Motorola from suing Apple for its use of Qualcomm components incorporating licensed Moto technology anywhere else. Confused? We won't lie, we are a little bit too, but all is revealed in the complaint found at the source link below.

Apple sues Motorola over Qualcomm license, makes us dream of a world without lawyers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applelawsuitlicenselicensingmobilepostcrossmotorolamotorola mobilityMotorolaMobilitypatentpatent disputePatentDisputepatentsQualcommFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple seeks injunction against Samsung in California with newly acquired patents (update: Galaxy Nexus targeted)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/apple-seeks-injunction-against-samsung-in-california-with-newly/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/apple-seeks-injunction-against-samsung-in-california-with-newly/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/apple-seeks-injunction-against-samsung-in-california-with-newly/#comments
You can now add one more case to the long list of disputes between Apple and Samsung. As PaidContent reports, Apple filed a lawsuit against Samsung in the Northern District of California federal court on Tuesday, seeking a temporary injunction on the basis of two patents it obtained in December. One of those reportedly concerns the autocorrect feature found on iPhones and iPads, but details on the case otherwise remain a bit light as the complaint itself is still under seal. We'll keep you posted as we get more information.

Update: Some additional details from the complaint have now come to light, and it turns out Apple is citing two additional patents in addition to the pair acquired in December (one of them related to the slide-to-unlock feature). What's more, it's also been revealed that Apple is targeting one specific device in this case: the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Given the patents, however, it's pretty clear that Apple taking aim at the Android 4.0 operating system rather than the phone's hardware, as it has in earlier cases against Samsung.

Apple seeks injunction against Samsung in California with newly acquired patents (update: Galaxy Nexus targeted) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android 4.0Android4.0applecaliforniagalaxy nexusGalaxyNexusice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichlawsuitmobilepostcrosspatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpatentssamsungsuitFri, 10 Feb 2012 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[German court dismisses Motorola's patent lawsuit against Apple]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/apple-motorola-germany-patent-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/apple-motorola-germany-patent-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/apple-motorola-germany-patent-lawsuit/#comments
Motorola suffered a setback in Germany this morning, after a Mannheim Regional Court struck down one of the company's several patent lawsuits against Apple. The patent in question, EP1053613, is considered essential to the 3G/UMTS wireless standard and, more specifically, pertains to a "method and system for generating a complex pseudonoise sequence for processing a code division multiple access [CDMA] signal." Motorola Mobility had argued that Apple's products infringed upon this patent, but Judge Andreas Voss today dismissed these claims, on the basis that the plaintiff failed to demonstrate Cupertino's violation. It's undoubtedly a welcomed victory for Apple, which had been suffering through something of a losing streak against Motorola, but their ongoing tug-of-war is far from over. Neither Motorola nor Apple have commented on the decision.

German court dismisses Motorola's patent lawsuit against Apple originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3g umts3gUmtsAndreas VossAndreasVossapplecourtgermanyjudgelawlawsuitlegalmannheim regional courtMannheimRegionalCourtmotorolapatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementumtsFri, 10 Feb 2012 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[German court upholds ruling against Apple, clears Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N for sale]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/apple-samsung-galaxy-tab-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/apple-samsung-galaxy-tab-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/apple-samsung-galaxy-tab-ipad/#comments
Apple's legal team has been dealt another blow in Germany, where a court today shot down the company's requests for a preliminary injunction against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N. In a statement issued this morning, the Dusseldorf Regional Court said it found "clear differences" between the 10.1N and Apple's iPad, affirming a preliminary ruling handed down in December, and a similar decision announced in Munich this month. It's certainly not the news that Cupertino wanted to wake up to, but we're also a long way from this drama being over.

German court upholds ruling against Apple, clears Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N for sale originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledusseldorfgalaxy tab 10.1galaxy tab 10.1NGalaxyTab10.1GalaxyTab10.1ngermangermanyinfringementinjunctionipadipad 2Ipad2lawsuitpatentsamsungsamsung galaxy tab 10.1NSamsungGalaxyTab10.1nThu, 09 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple asks European standards body for more transparency on FRAND licensing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/apple-etsi-frand-licensing-policy/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/apple-etsi-frand-licensing-policy/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/apple-etsi-frand-licensing-policy/#comments With its legal battles intensifying across the globe, Apple has appealed to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, calling for a more consistent approach to the licensing of essential patents. In a letter dated November 11th, Cupertino outlined its issues with today's licensing system, with a particular emphasis on patents licensed on a FRAND basis. According to Apple, the entire telecom industry lacks a "consistent policy" on FRAND licensing -- an issue that, not surprisingly, is especially critical to the company's ongoing court cases in Europe. Because of this inconsistency, Apple argues, patent royalty rates are often negotiated arbitrarily and in secret, resulting in abnormally high rates and, of course, plenty of lawsuits. "It is apparent that our industry suffers from a lack of consistent adherence to FRAND principles in the cellular standards arena," wrote Bruce Watrous, Apple's head of intellectual property. The company went on to suggest an alternative solution, calling for ETSI to establish "appropriate" FRAND licensing rates for companies to follow, adding that these rates should be limited to an industry-wide standard, and that companies should be barred from using industry-essential patents to force injunctions.

Apple asks European standards body for more transparency on FRAND licensing originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gapplecourtcupertinoETSIeuropeEuropean Telecommunications Standards InstituteEuropeanTelecommunicationsStandardsInstituteFRANDinfringementlawlawsuitmotorolapatentpolicysamsungstandardstransparencyumtsWed, 08 Feb 2012 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola wants 2.25 percent of Apple sales, in exchange for patent license]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/motorola-apple-2.25-percent-sales-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/motorola-apple-2.25-percent-sales-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/motorola-apple-2.25-percent-sales-germany/#comments
New details have emerged about the ongoing Apple-Motorola drama in Germany, courtesy of a court document uncovered by FOSS Patents. The two companies have been engaged in a patent battle of swelling proportion these past few months, with the most recent wrinkle unfolding on Friday, when Apple promptly removed (and returned) its 3G / UMTS-enabled iPads and iPhone 4s from its online German store, in response to a court ruling. At issue in this particular case is a Motorola patent that Apple wants to use under FRAND obligations, but Moto apparently isn't willing to license its technology for free. According to a court filing, the handset maker is asking for 2.25 percent of Apple sales in return for the license, though it remains unclear whether this pertains to sales of all products or, more likely, the 3G-enabled devices under consideration in court. Either way, though, Motorola would stand to see quite a bit of extra revenue, especially considering that Apple's iPhone sales have totaled about $93 billion since 2007. Under Motorola's request, the company would have made about $2.1 billion from these sales alone -- not to mention the payments it'd see from iPad sales, as well. Apple, meanwhile, has filed motions to access Motorola's licensing agreements with Nokia, HTC and other manufacturers, in the hopes of exposing a double standard.

Motorola wants 2.25 percent of Apple sales, in exchange for patent license originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gapplebusinesscourtearningsFRANDgermangermanyideviceiosipadiphonelawlawsuitlicensinglicensing agreementLicensingAgreementmoneymotomotorolapatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementsalesumtsMon, 06 Feb 2012 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple broadens Australian patent lawsuit with 278 claims against Samsung]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/apple-samsung-australia-patent-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/apple-samsung-australia-patent-lawsuit/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/apple-samsung-australia-patent-lawsuit/#comments
Its legal fortunes may be souring in Germany today, but that hasn't stopped Apple from launching an all-out assault in Australia, where the company has just ramped up its ongoing patent battle against Samsung. As the Australian reports, Cupertino has expanded its complaint to 278 claims, covering 72 patents and a full ten products -- including some smartphones and tablets that have yet to launch in Australia. (Apple's original suit, by comparison, involved only three patents, concerning the Galaxy Tab 10.1.) Apple won an injunction against Samsung's tablet last year, but that was overturned in November. With its subsequent appeal shot down, Apple now appears to be ramping up its forces, though it's unlikely that we'll see a conclusion anytime soon. Samsung's lead lawyer Neil Young said the Korean manufacturer received short notice of its rival's latest suit, which means it won't be able to file a defense until mid-May.

Apple broadens Australian patent lawsuit with 278 claims against Samsung originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleaustraliacourtipadipad 2Ipad2lawsuitpatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementsamsungsamsung galaxy tab 10.1SamsungGalaxyTab10.1tabletFri, 03 Feb 2012 05:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola wins permanent injunction against Apple's iCloud in German court (update: ban lifted)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/motorola-wins-permanent-injunction-against-apples-icloud-in-ger/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/motorola-wins-permanent-injunction-against-apples-icloud-in-ger/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/motorola-wins-permanent-injunction-against-apples-icloud-in-ger/#comments There's another legal brouhaha brewing in Germany, where Motorola today won an injunction against Apple's iCloud. In a decision handed down from the infamous Mannheim Regional Court this morning, Judge Andreas Voss issued a permanent injunction against Cupertino's cloud-based service and any devices that use it, following a complaint that Motorola originally filed in April of last year. The two companies, as you may recall, have been going at each other rather aggressively in Germany, where Motorola scored a similar victory, back in November. At issue in today's ruling is a European Patent that outlines a "multiple pager status synchronization system and method," upon which iCloud, Motorola claims, infringes. The injunction, as FOSS Patents explains, targets Apple's Ireland-based European distribution branch, but it only applies to the German market -- not Europe, as a whole. And while it's technically "permanent," it's still "preliminarily enforceable," which means Apple can (and likely will) appeal. Motorola, meanwhile, can seek to enforce it, if it's willing to post a €100 million bond. Apple had been seeking a bond of €2 billion, but was ultimately denied. For more of the legal nitty gritty, check out the source link below.

Update 1: Citing a statement from Apple, Germany's Deutsche Presse-Agentur news agency is now reporting that the company has pulled the iPhone 3G, the iPhone 3GS, and the iPhone 4 from its German online store, along with any 3G/UMTS-enabled iPads. The move appears to come in response not to today's ruling, but to a decision issued in December, when Motorola won an injunction against Apple, on the grounds that its 3G/UMTS technology infringes upon one of Moto's European patents. According to FOSS Patents, Apple presumably lost its appeal to the Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court, after Motorola sought to enforce the injunction.

Update 2: Apple has formally responded to each of today's events, confirming its plans to appeal the court's ruling on iCloud, and explaining its reasoning for pulling its products. "Apple believes this old pager patent is invalid and we're appealing the courts decision," the company said in an e-mailed statement to PaidContent. As for the 3G/UMTS case, Apple says it's still lobbying for a reversal, and that the pulled devices are still available at brick-and-mortar retailers within Germany. "While some iPad and iPhone models are not available through Apple's online store in Germany right now, customers should have no problem finding them at one of our retail stores or an authorised reseller," the statement reads. "Apple is appealing this ruling because Motorola repeatedly refuses to license this patent to Apple on reasonable terms, despite having declared it an industry standard patent seven years ago."

Update 3: And just like that, the BBC is reporting that Apple's exhortations have been heard, and the ban has been lifted. Details are few, but Cupertino had this to say about this latest turn of events:
"All iPad and iPhone models will be back on sale through Apple's online store in Germany shortly."

Motorola wins permanent injunction against Apple's iCloud in German court (update: ban lifted) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andreas VossAndreasVossapplecloudcourtgermangermanyicloudinjunctionjudgelawlawsuitlegalmannheim regional courtMannheimRegionalCourtmotorolapatentstorageFri, 03 Feb 2012 04:11:00 EST