In the event Apple doesn't get to intervene, they could just buy Lodsys and end it right then and there.
I could complain about this being a bogus patent, but I'm happy that the in-app purchases are being killed. A bunch of the apps made by small developers abuse them, and they're targeting small developers, so OK!
Lodsys' logo is horrific.
Yes, now it seems obvious, but there was a time when we all bought boxed software and visited bullentid boards with our 9.6k modems. In app purchase was once an innovative idea. The key is length of patent terms and renewals...It's all jacked up and NEEDS reformed!
And FINALLY.... define "patent reform".
Not exactly - Apple is not actually using Lodsys' technology. Developing an "in house solution" wouldn't change anything, because Apple already implemented the in-app purchase system in-house. It's just that Lodsys happens to own a very general patent which describes a system somewhat like the one Apple is using - one which allows developers to charge inside their applications for upgrades. Because Lodsys owns this patent, Apple had to pay them to license it in order to offer in-app purchases. But Lodsys is arguing that the developers should also pay them, which is really ridiculous. And the way they are going about it - pushing small developers into licensing because the developers do not have the resources to defend themselves - is just terrible. Anyway, even if you understood this already, maybe this recap will help someone.Apple should throw a few developers at the problem and develop in an house solution, cancel the LODSYS agreement and then LODSYS will be sorry.
I'd love to know the answer to this question.
What a ridiculous world we live in.
How, exactly, can the idea of in-app purchases even be patented...?
How, exactly, can the idea of in-app purchases even be patented...?
How, exactly, can the idea of in-app purchases even be patented...?
Apple isn't being abused, developers are. Apple is protecting the little, medium and big guys from bullies.
Half of a century overdue!
Yes, now it seems obvious, but there was a time when we all bought boxed software and visited bullentid boards with our 9.6k modems. In app purchase was once an innovative idea. The key is length of patent terms and renewals...It's all jacked up and NEEDS reformed!
So, not much to be happy about. (If there’s a particular developer who you feel is abusing the App Store, report them. You’ll likely even get your money back. If they haven’t violated any rules, just boycott them.)
I guess you can patent a phone with rounded corners and a bouncing scrolling mechanism than you can patent in-app purchasing..
what a ridicules world we living in!
the same way that swipe to unlock can be patented.
Slide to unlock is a really specific design feature. There are plenty of ways to make an unlocking mechanism. Patenting in-app purchases, on the other hand, is BS because it's been done in the past, and it's a really vague idea.
was just thinking about apples patent on this, which was BS in the first place. Got to laugh at the fanboys crying when apple gets sued for patent infringement but when they do it to others for something as simple as rounded edges, you back apple. If the patent office backed lodsys, then pay up. Yes, the patent system is totally in shambles. But until someone comes up with a better system that's fair to all players, this crap will continue.
I agree with you, it is a small amount, but it's a much larger principle, which, unfortunately, many small devs cannot afford to uphold. But legitimizing this further abuse of the patent system (Lodsys is attempting to make this a fait accompli by bullying smaller devs to give in, demonstrating that those devs "agree" that this patent troll's claims are valid) only further encourages this and other trolls and scares off potential developers. And why would Apple pay to license this "technology" from Lodsys if not for the developers' toolkit?I'm not a fan of software patents.
That said, the Lodsys fee (0.575% of the developer's profit) is peanuts compared to what Apple and the government take.
If a developer sells $1,000 worth of in-app purchases, then about...
No wonder many devs just give in and pay.
- $300 goes to Apple.
- $150 goes to taxes.
- $4 goes to Lodsys.
.
I'd love to know the answer to this question.
What a ridiculous world we live in.
How can a rectangle be patented, yet most applaud that lawsuit.
Lodsys' logo is horrific.