Apple granted patents touchscreen unlock

[j0nb0y32]

this is a big patent for apple in today's smart phone world in my opinion

BBC News - Apple patents touchscreen unlock gestures

 

[iggibar]

I read the patent codes for this grant, and I actually can't tell if its really broad, or really specific in terms of how a company can use gesture to unlock the device. In Apple's grant, it mentions moving an icon or image with with your finger on the screen. What if there is no image to move? I can't tell if the patent only applies to moving images or not.

 

[j0nb0y32]

I read the patent codes for this grant, and I actually can't tell if its really broad, or really specific in terms of how a company can use gesture to unlock the device. In Apple's grant, it mentions moving an icon or image with with your finger on the screen. What if there is no image to move? I can't tell if the patent only applies to moving images or not.

i do agre with you. i read it as using the touch screen to unlock, swiping or pointing or otherwise. This is why i feel it is a good patent, becasue they have effectively cornerd the market with smart phone unlocks...


i could be wrong though

 

[Discerptor]

It's only a matter of time before this mistake gets struck down, just like it did in the Dutch courts. Slide-to-unlock on touchscreen phones existed long before the iPhone, proving the existence of prior art (relevant clip at 4:15).

 

[j0nb0y32]

Did they project the design through the patent process? I am not sure, that under intellectual property laws, time means ownership unless you protect it formally, first.

could be wrong though

 

[BrianLachoreVPI]

I believe you have to show prior art and that it was offered for sale - and then you can file a protest with the Patent Office. There's a time window in play as well - but don't remember how long - 2 years??

 

[Discerptor]

Did they project the design through the patent process? I am not sure, that under intellectual property laws, time means ownership unless you protect it formally, first.

could be wrong though

Time and prior art don't grant you ownership, but they prevent anyone else from taking ownership.

 

[j0nb0y32]

I believe you have to show prior art and that it was offered for sale - and then you can file a protest with the Patent Office. There's a time window in play as well - but don't remember how long - 2 years??

well i guess Apple will need to watch with interest so if any protests are made in the near future.

 

[smartstar]

patent world is crazy these days. this is definitely new big news for apple though