So what are they suing each other for this time around?
With some research, I have broken down the case and provided very limited explanations for the technology behind some of the patents involved to the best of my ability. But some of the concepts are hard for me to grasp as they pertain to more advanced engineering practices, so if you want to understand them better, I suggest you do research on your own!
1) data tapping - the feature that allows an iPhone to retrieve relevant data in response to user searches, bring it to the surface and let the user perform further action with the data found. For example, if you are looking for a phone number, the iPhone will be able to find the relevant data, bring it to your screen and allow you to make a phone call and such with it.
2) Siri-style unified search
3) asynchronous data synchronization
4) auto-complete functions
Samsung on the other hand is suing Apple for violating some of its underlying technology. Several main complaints include:
1) nonscheduled transmission over enhanced uplink data channel
2) signaling control information of uplink packet data service
3) recording and reproducing digital image/speech
4) remote video transmission systems
Both Samsung and Apple are suing each other over older product lines, many of which are no longer available. Apple is targeting devices such as the Galaxy Admire; the Galaxy Nexus, the Galaxy Note & Note II and etc while Samsung is directing its attacking older and more recent Apple products such as the iPhone 4, 4S and 5; the iPad 2, 3, and 4 and etc. Though many of the products involved are on the older side, the outcome could affect current and future products such as the iPhone 5s and the Galaxy S5. For products still in stores, the result could affect their availability.
Both Samsung and Apple are suing each other over older product lines, many of which are no longer available. Apple is targeting devices such as the Galaxy Admire; the Galaxy Nexus, the Galaxy Note & Note II and etc while Samsung is directing its attacking older and more recent Apple products such as the iPhone 4, 4S and 5; the iPad 2, 3, and 4 and etc. Though many of the products involved are on the older side, the outcome could affect current and future products such as the iPhone 5s and the Galaxy S5. For products still in stores, the result could affect their availability.
Source: http://www.informationweek.com/mobile/mobile-business/apple-samsung-patent-battle-round-2/d/d-id/1113722
It never stops surprising me the kinds of features tech companies lay claim to as reasons to sue. For example the data tapping patent you mentioned above under Apple's user interface. There is a fascinating difference between claiming a device as copyright infringement and claiming a new use on an existing device as copyright infringement too. To illustrate, we can look at frisbees. It is essentially a plate, so if we make a plastic plate that can be thrown like a frisbee, would the frisbee inventor be in a position to sue the plate maker? I'm going off-topic, but my point is, the data tapping feature can be applied for many different functions like a frisbee-shaped disk. In this example, it appears most likely that Apple is suing Samsung based on its computer mechanisms...
ReplyDeleteGreat comment, Melissa.
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