Similar to how the patents relating to rounded edges on smartphones or mobile devices are well known design patents, the slide to unlock patent owened by Apple reminded me again of a patent that has very little actual effect on functionality, but fundamentally has to do with how you use/unlock the phone. Because its actual purpose does let you actuallyy use the phone, I suppose that this could potentially be considered a utiility patent as well.
Ultimately, Apple's patent will not be valid in Germany, because although they've patented the slide to unlock idea, it doesn't quite encompass every mechanism or manner of unlocking a phone and these other companies are not infringing. Of course, Apple is appealing this decision, as expected, but they most likely won't have the best luck because of stricter, less broad patent laws in Europe, according to Mueller.
Im please to read that Germany sided against Apple. I agree that the slide to unlock feature is too broad. If the slide to unlock feature is strong enough to hold as a patent just imagine all of the other simple design features that someone could patent.
ReplyDeleteI am also happy with Germany's decision. Apple can't encompass every mechanism that uses the slide to unlock function. This will spur more competition and it also puts less emphasis on the importance of patents in general which I like because it gives smaller inventors a buffer. They may feel more inclined to design a new mobile phone without being worried about infringing and facing many lawsuits.
ReplyDeleteI am also happy with Germany's decision. Apple can't encompass every mechanism that uses the slide to unlock function. This will spur more competition and it also puts less emphasis on the importance of patents in general which I like because it gives smaller inventors a buffer. They may feel more inclined to design a new mobile phone without being worried about infringing and facing many lawsuits.
ReplyDeleteI agree with German's ruling on the slide to unlock patent. It is way too broad and kinda necessary for a touch screen phone to work. Almost every touch screen system seems to have this slide to unlock feature
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to patents the court must make important decisions to define what is too broad in certain phrases, and I do agree that Apple was pushing it with its slide to unlock patent. As technology develops it seems like people automatically become accustomed to the newest intuitive behavior, and 7 years ago I wouldn't have imagined sliding/swiping a touchscreen would become a broad standard.
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