elan-microelectronics
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ITC judge sides with Apple in Elan multitouch patent dispute
It's not over just yet, but Apple has now scored a significant victory in its longstanding dispute with Elan Microelectronics. As those with a long memory for patent-related matters may recall, Elan had claimed that Apple infringed on two of its multitouch-related patents in its various iOS devices, and it asked the ITC to impose an outright ban on the sale of those devices until the matter was settled. That obviously hasn't happened, and ITC Judge Paul Luckern has now ruled that it shouldn't happen in the future either, as he found that Apple did not violate the patents in question. That now leaves the final decision in the hands of the full International Trade Commission, which is expected to issue its ruling in August.
Elan Microelectronics demonstrates its eFinger multitouch tech running on Android
Would you look at this. Those folks at Elan Microelectronics might seem a bit slow on the lawsuit front, but they certainly look to have the tech to back up their claims of Apple multitouch patent infringement. They're showing off what they call "eFinger Transparent Touchpad" technology, running on top of Android, and it's looking pretty slick -- we could really get used to this sort of smooth interactivity in Android, lawsuit or no. Check out the video after the break.[Thanks, Phelipe H]
Elan turns the tables on Apple, sues for multitouch patent infringement
Remember all the fun everyone had watching Palm and Apple's legal wordplay regarding multitouch patents? If you missed it, Apple delivered a very thinly veiled threat to Palm, flouting how it had touch-sensitive intellectual rights up the wazoo to protect itself from the competition. Apple, though, may be due for a heaping helping of humble pie, as it's now on the receiving end of a lawsuit from Elan Microelectronics claiming infringement on two patents -- both involving multitouch. Elan, best known for its keypads found in Eee PCs everywhere (along with some other diversions), won a court injunction against Synaptics for infringement on one of those patents, and seems like it may actually have a shot of shaking down the house of Jobs. It's also seeking an injunction against Apple to prevent it from selling the MacBook, iPhone, and iPod Touch until everything gets legally sorted. That seems like a long-shot, but anything could happen. Oh, and Palm corporate officers, try not to look too giddy today, yeah? Read -- Apple sued over touch-screen rightsRead -- Injunction quote [Warning: requires subscription]