Apple Reportedly Settles Multi-Touch Patent Lawsuit from Elan for $5 Million

[MacRumors]

http://images.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/01/05/apple-reportedly-settles-multi-touch-patent-lawsuit-from-elan-for-5-million/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2012/01/elan_logo_small-150x100.jpg

Reuters reports (http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/05/us-elan-apple-idUSTRE8040J020120105) that Taiwanese company Elan Microelectronics has issued a statement announcing the settlement of a patent infringement dispute with Apple regarding multi-touch technology. According to Elan, Apple has agreed to pay $5 million and the two companies will cross-license certain patents to avoid future issues related to the intellectual property in question.Elan Microelectronics Corp, a Taiwanese touch design company, said on Thursday that Apple Inc will pay $5 million as part of a settlement in a patent infringement case.

The statement said the two companies would also exchange authorizations to use each other's patents.The patent dispute between the two companies dates back to 2009, when Elan sued Apple over alleged infringement of a patent related to the detection of multiple-finger input as on the company's iOS devices, notebooks, and several accessories. Apple had also counter-sued Elan in 2009 in an attempt to gain leverage in the dispute.

Elan turned to the U.S. International Trade Commission in 2010, seeking a ban on imports (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/03/30/elan-microelectronics-turns-to-u-s-international-trade-commission-in-multi-touch-patent-dispute-with-apple/) of Apple's products, but the ITC ruled in Apple's favor last year.

Article Link: Apple Reportedly Settles Multi-Touch Patent Lawsuit from Elan for $5 Million (http://www.macrumors.com/2012/01/05/apple-reportedly-settles-multi-touch-patent-lawsuit-from-elan-for-5-million/)

[The Great Boony]

When will Google settle copying iOS?

I wish Apple sue the hell out of Google, they stole a whole operating system.

This is what makes all these small lawsuits a joke, Apple have had their iOS inside developers taken by Google in 2006 and all of a sudden, Android looked like iOS copy rather than Blackberry copy.

GO AFTER THE THIEVES APPLE - GOOGLE

Android before poaching Apple iOS employees 2006/early 2007:

http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-prototype.jpg

Android post poaching iOS employees:

http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-iphone.jpg

[Meandmunch]

Not knowing the details or depths of the infringement on the surface it looks like Apple got off real cheap.

[adildacoolset]

The funny thing is that if droid fans saw this, they would say that apple is a copy cat

[*LTD*]

Tim Cook: Hey Scott, we're settling with Elan. It's for 5 million. Have you got any change on you?

Scott Forstall: Uh yeah, just hang on a sec. I think I had a few mil on me when I went to get coffee this morning. *fishes around in his pocket* Ok, here's around 4. Bum the rest off Jony.

Tim Cook: k.

[The Great Boony]

Tim Cook: Hey Scott, we're settling with Elan. It's for 5 million. Have you got any change on you?

Scott Forstall: Uh yeah, just hang on a sec. I think I had a few mil on me when I went to get coffee this morning. *fishes around in his pocket* Ok, here's around 4. Bum the rest off Jony.

Tim Cook: k.

How much would it cost for Google to settle with Apple for the theft of a rather **** copy of iOS?

[lukarak]

When will Google settle copying iOS?

I wish Apple sue the hell out of Google, they stole a whole operating system.

This is what makes all these small lawsuits a joke, Apple have had their iOS inside developers taken by Google in 2006 and all of a sudden, Android looked like iOS copy rather than Blackberry copy.

GO AFTER THE THIEVES APPLE - GOOGLE

Android before poaching Apple iOS employees 2006/early 2007:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-prototype.jpg)

Android post poaching iOS employees:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-iphone.jpg)

Well it's pretty obvious, first it was intended as a BB ripoff, then as an iphone ripoff.

[zoetmb]

When will Google settle copying iOS?

I wish Apple sue the hell out of Google, they stole a whole operating system.

This is what makes all these small lawsuits a joke, Apple have had their iOS inside developers taken by Google in 2006 and all of a sudden, Android looked like iOS copy rather than Blackberry copy.

GO AFTER THE THIEVES APPLE - GOOGLE

Android before poaching Apple iOS employees 2006/early 2007:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-prototype.jpg)

Android post poaching iOS employees:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-iphone.jpg)

I'm no fan of Android, but that screen on the right looks nothing like Apple's screen on the left. In fact, it looks more like something derived from Microsoft Windows. It's just a bunch of ugly file folders. What does this have to do with Apple's iOS or its interface? While Apple may have been the first to implement a file folder interface in a mass consumer device in the Mac (licensed from Xerox PARC), they don't own the concept of a UI featuring file folders. They lost that lawsuit with Microsoft years ago.

And your comparison is unfair anyway since the first display you show is a browser and the screens below are the UI of the device. Big difference.

[FakeWozniak]

I suspect the $5M was a token to cover the legal costs. The real win was for Elan getting rights to Apples Patent arsenal. This isn't that great for Apple if Elan decides to make computers, phones, televisions, software, etc.

[basesloaded190]

How much would it cost for Google to settle with Apple for the theft of a rather **** copy of iOS?

You really have an axe to grind here. How does this affect you in any conceivable way?

Anyways, this is pocket change for Apple and glad they got things sorted out.

[Amazing Iceman]

I'm no fan of Android, but that screen on the right looks nothing like Apple's screen on the left. In fact, it looks more like something derived from Microsoft Windows. It's just a bunch of ugly file folders. What does this have to do with Apple's iOS or its interface? While Apple may have been the first to implement a file folder interface in a mass consumer device in the Mac (licensed from Xerox PARC), they don't own the concept of a UI featuring file folders. They lost that lawsuit with Microsoft years ago.

And your comparison is unfair anyway since the first display you show is a browser and the screens below are the UI of the device. Big difference.

I think that interface was a creation of HTC. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The photo of that phone may have been a bad choice made by the poster, as it doesn't prove the point.

I have seen other Android phones that do look almost identical to the iPhone in the UI. And no need to mention Samsung... We already know.

[TWSS37]

When will Google settle copying iOS?

I wish Apple sue the hell out of Google, they stole a whole operating system.

This is what makes all these small lawsuits a joke, Apple have had their iOS inside developers taken by Google in 2006 and all of a sudden, Android looked like iOS copy rather than Blackberry copy.

GO AFTER THE THIEVES APPLE - GOOGLE

Android before poaching Apple iOS employees 2006/early 2007:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-prototype.jpg)

Android post poaching iOS employees:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-iphone.jpg)

Please stop posting this over and over again. Just link to where you've made this point before.

[Bilbo63]

I suspect the $5M was a token to cover the legal costs. The real win was for Elan getting rights to Apples Patent arsenal. This isn't that great for Apple if Elan decides to make computers, phones, televisions, software, etc.

I'm betting that there is provisions for that in their agreement.

[*LTD*]

How much would it cost for Google to settle with Apple for the theft of a rather **** copy of iOS?

What in Android actually belongs to Google? That's the question, and the issue hasn't been scrutinized. Yet.

[crazy4apple]

[QUOTE=zoetmb;14112256]I'm no fan of Android, but that screen on the right looks nothing like Apple's screen on the left. In fact, it looks more like something derived from Microsoft Windows. It's just a bunch of ugly file folders. What does this have to do with Apple's iOS or its interface? While Apple may have been the first to implement a file folder interface in a mass consumer device in the Mac (licensed from Xerox PARC), they don't own the concept of a UI featuring file folders. They lost that lawsuit with Microsoft years ago.

actually there was a deal which Xerox PARC agreed to in 1979 that in return for apple shares they would disclose all new ideas including the GUI concept. which bagged Xerox PARC at that time 17million dollers because of the apple 2

in Fact Xerox PARC had realeased a product which flopped so badly because it had cost consumer nearly $17000

[Amazing Iceman]

Well it's pretty obvious, first it was intended as a BB ripoff, then as an iphone ripoff.

Lol, yeah, they started copying the wrong company. BB is becoming a dinosaur, at least here in the U.S. it has already lost its momentum.
I have tried to work with a BB before, setting it up for email, and it's crap. Same with a Palm OS phone. The iPhone is as easy to configure and use as a walk in the park.

[dokujaryu]

MacRumors, I am dissapoint. :(

OK, Where are the Apple supports saying that the poor innovator Apple is getting TOTALLY SCREWED for something that wasn't even close to the same thing. Where are the Apple people saying, WTF, you can't patent FINGERZZZZ. GOD patented FINGERZ. HERP DERP ELAN. WTF ELAN: Shut up and innovata-compete!

And where are the Elan supporters going. ZOMG WTF APPLE WHY U COPY MY BRAND? JUST LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE:

http://www.nyapplecountry.com/images/photosvarieties/mcintosh.jpg
Apple 1811

http://www.edupics.com/photo-fingers-p11485.jpg
ELAN 1812

http://www.edupics.com/photo-fingers-p11485.jpg
Apple 2006 AD

[The Great Boony]

You really have an axe to grind here. How does this affect you in any conceivable way?

Anyways, this is pocket change for Apple and glad they got things sorted out.

Well, my buddy Small White Car has over a million shares in Apple for a start.

[Themaeds]

Well, my buddy Small White Car has over a million shares in Apple for a start.

Cool story bro

Pics or it didn't happen

#InternetDreamWorld

[KPOM]

I suspect the $5M was a token to cover the legal costs. The real win was for Elan getting rights to Apples Patent arsenal. This isn't that great for Apple if Elan decides to make computers, phones, televisions, software, etc.

Likely they have mutual patents (i.e. Apple need's Elan's and Elan needs Apple's). This is a no-brainer deal for Apple and a decent deal for Elan. They aren't a competitive threat to Apple, but in the meantime both companies can just move on.

[basesloaded190]

Well, my buddy Small White Car has over a million shares in Apple for a start.

Odly enough this makes no sense and you didn't even answer my question.

[Winni]

When will Google settle copying iOS?

I wish Apple sue the hell out of Google, they stole a whole operating system.

This is what makes all these small lawsuits a joke, Apple have had their iOS inside developers taken by Google in 2006 and all of a sudden, Android looked like iOS copy rather than Blackberry copy.

GO AFTER THE THIEVES APPLE - GOOGLE

Android before poaching Apple iOS employees 2006/early 2007:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-prototype.jpg)

Android post poaching iOS employees:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-iphone.jpg)


And in the next installment of your fact-ignoring posts, you will tell us what Apple infringing on somebody else's multi-touch patent has anything to do with Android and iOS. Or why the HARDWARE of an old prototype Android phone looking like an old Blackberry phone is in any way related to this article. You're just trying to divert the attention away from the fact that Apple stole somebody else's ideas, and that, of course, is something that just cannot be.

But it's actually quite interesting that the "boy, have we patented it" company does not even own a patent that is at the very core of the user experience of their "revolutionary" product line...

You know, putting technologies that OTHERS invented into a nicely designed case and adding some pretty graphics design on top of an Open Source operating system foundation (FreeBSD) doesn't make you the mother of all inventions, no matter how much money you burn in marketing campaigns.

This is just one of the many cases where Apple clearly stole from a much smaller company, only this time they had to pay a small speeding ticket for it. Usually, the smaller companies that get ripped off by Apple don't get so lucky since they can't afford to pay the IP lawyers that they would need to defend their interests.

[TWSS37]

Well, my buddy Small White Car has over a million shares in Apple for a start.

If Small White Car had over a million shares he'd be Fast Red Lamborghini.

[coder12]

If Small White Car had over a million shares he'd be Fast Red Lamborghini.

I'd want to be Big Optimus Prime!

[huntercr]

Likely they have mutual patents (i.e. Apple need's Elan's and Elan needs Apple's). This is a no-brainer deal for Apple and a decent deal for Elan. They aren't a competitive threat to Apple, but in the meantime both companies can just move on.

Yeah it seems that way to me too. The whole company is valued at $165M USD ( if I did my conversaion from NTD correctly ... they're around $5B NTD )
so it would seem that it would be in Elan's best interest to look for future partnerships either directly with APple or with 3rd party peripheral companies.

[kas23]

What ever happened to "boy, have we patented it"?

And, while current Android phones may resemble the iPhone, that shot of the G1 looks nothing like an iPhone. What a ridiculous statement. First, it is white, iPhone was black only at that time. It has a track-ball and 5 separate buttons at the bottom. iPhone has 1 home button and no track-ball. The G1 is not flat, but actually angles out near the mouth piece. The iPhone is completely flat. The G1 has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, iPhone does not. The G1 has a crowded menu bar (more like Windows Mobile if anything), not so with iPhone. There a huge widget (a clock) in middle of G1 screen, no widgets on iPhone. G1 has some kind of pop-up menu on screen, not so with iPhone (yet, ironically, iOS would add this later). And lastly, they both have folders/apps on the screen. What a novel concept for both of them there.

There should be a minimum IQ for posters here.

[gnasher729]

When will Google settle copying iOS?

I wish Apple sue the hell out of Google, they stole a whole operating system.

The pictures that you posted don't show any similarity in the design at all. I think you are confused because Apple is suing _one_ manufacturer for _one_ tablet design that is too close to the iPad and conclude wrongly that _every_ Android device must be the copy of an Apple product. That is not the case.

What ever happened to "boy, have we patented it"?
Just because you have patents, even lots of patents, doesn't mean you aren't infringing on someone else's patents. And even if you aren't infringing, doesn't mean someone else can't sue you.

And, while current Android phones may resemble the iPhone, that shot of the G1 looks nothing like an iPhone. What a ridiculous statement. First, it is white, iPhone was black only at that time. It has a track-ball and 5 separate buttons at the bottom. iPhone has 1 home button and no track-ball. The G1 is not flat, but actually angles out near the mouth piece. The iPhone is completely flat. The G1 has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, iPhone does not. The G1 has a crowded menu bar (more like Windows Mobile if anything), not so with iPhone. There a huge widget (a clock) in middle of G1 screen, no widgets on iPhone. G1 has some kind of pop-up menu on screen, not so with iPhone (yet, ironically, iOS would add this later). And lastly, they both have folders/apps on the screen. What a novel concept for both of them there.

Absolutely correct. I'm not sure about the colour, but each single one of the other differences would be enough to make it different enough from the iPhone.

[AppleScruff1]

Since everyone is ok with Apple infringing on the patents of others I'm sure that being rational men you'll feel the same when someone else is accused of infringing on Apple's patents too. I know that no one would be hypocritical about that.

[gnasher729]

Not knowing the details or depths of the infringement on the surface it looks like Apple got off real cheap.

What makes you say that? Five million dollars pays for a few dozen good engineers for a year (with quite a bit of additional cost beyond salary and taxes).

[razmage]

What makes you say that? Five million dollars pays for a few dozen good engineers for a year (with quite a bit of additional cost beyond salary and taxes).

I wonder if this opens the way for them to go after other companies for multi-touch. Pretty sure it would.

[KPOM]

What ever happened to "boy, have we patented it"?



They did. It's just that one of the patents required to get it to work belonged to someone else, and they have reached a mutual settlement. It happens all the time.

It isn't as if the iPhone or even multitouch relies on a single patent. There are often hundreds of patents involved with a modern device.

There are also multiple ways to develop similar techniques. Note that Apple has not gone after Microsoft, even though Windows Phone also uses multitouch and other elements that debuted on the iPhone. The difference is that Microsoft apparently uses different methods, and they also use a different UI.

[paul4339]

Tim Cook: Hey Scott, we're settling with Elan. It's for 5 million. Have you got any change on you?

Scott Forstall: Uh yeah, just hang on a sec. I think I had a few mil on me when I went to get coffee this morning. *fishes around in his pocket* Ok, here's around 4. Bum the rest off Jony.

Tim Cook: k.

Tim: Hey Scott, we're settling with Elan. It's for $5 mil. Have you got any change on you?

Scott: no... get Eddie to send them a $5 mil iTunes gift card.

Tim: k.


:)

[skoorbevad]

When will Google settle copying iOS?
I wish Apple sue the hell out of Google, they stole a whole operating system.


I don't think that you have any idea what you're talking about.

[Rafterman]

The five million reportedly coming from the loose change in Tim Cook's pants pocket.

[Tailpike1153]

Apple has gotten into so many legal tangles that I can't keep them straight. I'm glad to finally see some progress. I wonder if 2012 is the year of legal settlements or if Apple's legal team is going to crack up the case load?

[Mr Bigs]

When will Google settle copying iOS?

I wish Apple sue the hell out of Google, they stole a whole operating system.

This is what makes all these small lawsuits a joke, Apple have had their iOS inside developers taken by Google in 2006 and all of a sudden, Android looked like iOS copy rather than Blackberry copy.

GO AFTER THE THIEVES APPLE - GOOGLE

Android before poaching Apple iOS employees 2006/early 2007:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-prototype.jpg)

Android post poaching iOS employees:

Image (http://cdn2.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/ziggytek/blog/2010/07/android-iphone.jpg)As soon as Apple settles copying Google :rolleyes:

----------

What in Android actually belongs to Google? That's the question, and the issue hasn't been scrutinized. Yet.Ummm same thing with Apple as were slowly finding out but they're much more arrogant about it.:rolleyes:

[SockRolid]

Apple: "Just $5 million? Wow. That was cheap."

Elan: "$5 million? Yay! We're rich!"

----------

I don't think that you have any idea what you're talking about.

Google stole Java. Now they think they can use it in Android without paying Oracle.
Larry Ellison disagrees.