The Inquirer: Moving backwards going forwards
|
|
|
US ITC to investigate Apple and RIM
THE US International Trade Commission (ITC) will launch an investigation into technology from Apple and Research In Motion (RIM) that seems to bear close resemblance to an invention claimed by Kodak.
The probe is based on a complaint filed by Eastman Kodak in which it claims that both RIM and Apple are importing mobile phones and wireless communication devices featuring digital cameras and components that allegedly infringe a patent asserted by Kodak. Kodak has also asked for import exclusion and cease and desist orders against both firms.
The ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case yet. The case will be assigned to one of the ITC's six administrative law judges, who will schedule and hold a hearing. The ITC will set a target date for completing the investigation then make a final determination within 45 days.
It is normal in these cases that if the case starts looking like it is going badly for the alleged infringer for it to suddenly sign a licence and a large cheque. This would mean that both Apple and RIM would be saved the embarrassment of not being allowed to import their devices. µ
Share this:
Share
Kodak gets Boeing and friends to fire a rocket at the moon with a Kodak flag on board, then sues NASA for "trespassing on their property since 1969 at least". That's the mentality of the patent barons.
that Kodak's patent IS infringed. You can find it here http://preview.tinyurl.com/yefhk5t and it specifically talks about using a custom ASIC for preview mode and a general purpose CPU for capturing stills. My guess would be that the iPhone uses the same GPU processing path for both stills and video preview. If it doesn't then it shouldn't be a hard job to make it so.
Their case may or may not have merit. If it does, things could go badly for Apple and RIM. Unlike RAMBUS, SCO and a few others I could mention, I don't remember Kodak being prone to filing silly, baseless lawsuits or motions.
Too late. I already have my Blackberry and I'm not giving it up. Sue away, Kodak. Every cell phone has a digital camera now. You going to sue everyone and claim that you invented the digital camera? Good luck with that.