INQUIRER readers don't like the patent wars

OUR LATEST POLL asked readers about the recent patent litigation over mobile technology, and most of those who responded didn't like the ongong patent wars.

Specifically we noted, "Patent battles between Apple and its rivals have dominated the news this week, with a possible ban for the Iphone and Ipad in Germany."

We asked, "Are patent fights getting out of hand?"

Surprisingly, the hard core cynics among you were far in the minority, with only one per cent saying, "No, let the trials commence and may the best lawyers win."

However, and this is the result that we find significant, only a few more respondents came down solidly in favour of patents in this context, as just five per cent answered, "No, the engineering efforts should be respected."

Another 10 per cent didn't think mobile technology is worth all the time and money that's being wasted to contest lengthy patent litigation, saying, "Who cares? Mobile technology is overrated anyway."

The other 84 per cent of respondents either thought this mobile patents litigation is fairly pointless or took a dim view of Apple, which they saw as being overly aggressive about it. That latter contingent made up 26 per cent, who said, "Yes, Apple needs to find something better to do with its time."

The largest group, 58 per cent were those that answered, "Yes, phones and tablets all look the same, get over it." µ