The ongoing patent war between a number of the world's biggest smartphone manufacturers has taken another twist, with a US judge ruling that a set of important features commonly found in the devices are protected by an Apple patent. The landmark ruling, delivered by the United States International Trade Commission, could have enormous implications for Goggle's Android-operated handsets.
It is, in fact, regarded as one of the most critical rulings delivered in the patent debate, as a number of the most powerful manufacturers argue over who owns the intellectual property rights to certain design features. Google and Apple have, of course, been at the centre of the disputes, which have assumed even more significance in light of the burgeoning popularity of Android-powered smartphones.
The disputes are focused on the small but convenient features that are found on most of the leading handsets. The most recent ruling, for example, focussed on the technology that allows users to tap their finger once on the touch screen to call a phone number that is written inside an email or text message. Furthermore, the case also considered the technology that allows users to schedule a calendar appointment with a single tap of the finger.
Responding to the ruling, Taiwanese firm HTC, the defendant in the case, pledged to adapt its features to comply with the decision. It did, however, stress that the patent infringements represented only a "small" part of the user experience, suggesting that HTC handsets will not profoundly change in light of the ruling.
In fact, even though Apple is able to claim victory in this instance, it does not come without an important caveat. That's because the commission overruled an earlier decision that went in Apple's favor in the case, involving another patent relating to how software is organized internally on the handsets. And according to legal experts, it would have been difficult for HTC to adapt its devices to avoid infringing that patent.
In a statement, Grace Lei, HTC's General Counsel, said that the company was pleased the commission ruled against Apple on other patents involved in the case. "We are very pleased with the determination and we respect it," Ms Lei remarked.
Meanwhile, Apple Spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said: "We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours."
Steve Jobs, the former Chief Executive at Apple, famously once said that he was going to "destroy Android, because it’s a stolen product". And given the obvious intensity of the rivalry between the two firms, it is apparent that Mr Jobs' statement was not an exaggeration.
