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Apple, Google sued by mobile web pioneer
A pioneer in the field of mobile browsing has now set its sights on Google and Apple with a brand new patent lawsuit. A company called Unwired Planet, which used to be known as OpenWave (and helped to create the original mobile browser protocol known as WAP) has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against both Apple and Google, claiming it has patents related to their cloud messaging, content and mobile advertising applications. Unwired Planet started to transition away from actual mobile browsing last year, and is now basically a bundle of patents that the company is trying to "maximize shareholder value" with. Of course, the courts will have to figure this one out, but it seems like Unwired is grabbing at straws here, hoping that one of their patents actually does apply so they can leech some licensing fees off of Google or Apple. Yes, if they did the work, they should reap the rewards, but this just smacks of desperation to me. Depending on what Unwired is actually asking for, they may even just be hoping that Apple or Google would rather pay out than worry about what happens in court. We'll see.
Openwave accuses Apple and RIM of patent infringement
This story is getting familiar enough that you could generate Mad Libs out of it. Company you've never heard of is accusing successful, household name corporations of infringing its patents on drop-dead obvious features that devices have had for years and is seeking an injunction on device imports unless the "infringing" companies agree to surrender their lunch money pay licensing fees. In this case the company you've never heard of is Openwave, and according to GigaOM it's accusing Apple and RIM of infringing patents on these features: Allows a user to use e-mail applications on a mobile device when the network is unavailable – such as when a user is on an airplane. Allows the mobile device to operate seamlessly, and securely, with a server over a wireless network. Allows access to updated versions of applications on mobile devices. Allows consumers to experience an improved user experience in navigating through various pages of information without delay. Enables data in the cloud to be accessed or shared by different devices such as mobile handsets or computers. No word on why only Apple and RIM have been singled out, as these are features included in virtually every single smartphone manufacturer's devices today. Openwave's release basically claims that it invented both mobile internet browsing and photo messaging in 1997 and 2001 respectively, so it's also unclear why the company has waited this long to recoup the "losses" it's incurred due to "infringement" on its intellectual property. So it goes.
Openwave sues Apple and RIM for patent infringement
Add one more to the tally of patent lawsuits involving Apple and RIM. This time it's Openwave Systems using the license-by-litigation technique, and it's alleging that multiple devices infringe five of its patents on mobile internet -- including offline email access, cloud computing, and secure server access. The company claims that Apple's iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4, the iPod Touch, both iPads, plus RIM's Blackberry Curve 9930 and the PlayBook all infringe its IP. Apparently, Openwave initially took the pacifist route to persuade Cupertino and Waterloo to pay up, but when its overtures were ignored, it decided upon more aggressive tactics. As others before it, Openwave wants to fight a two front war in the ITC and federal court, but we'll have to wait and see if the ITC elects to take up the cause. Armchair attorneys can get a gander at all the juicy details at the source below.
Microsoft picks up Musiwave for $50 million
Openwave systems can look forward to running a leaner operation starting now, as Microsoft has officially agreed to lift its Musiwave subsidiary off of its hands for a cool $50 million. Granted, only $46 million of that will actually hit Openwave's bank account, as the other $4 million will be debt that Microsoft will assume. Three days prior to this announcement, the two firms made known that they were in exclusive talks, and apparently, 72 hours was enough time for Redmond to pull the trigger. Reportedly, the purchase will give Microsoft access to valuable relationships with "music labels, device makers and mobile operators that deliver digital entertainment to consumers," but what exactly the firm plans to do with its new acquisition remains to be seen.[Via mocoNews]
