Friday, February 22, 2013

A Patent for an iWatch? #8

A patent application was recently found by AppleInsider which reveals that Apple is investigating a wearable accessory device that features a flexible touchscreen display and conforms to the user's body through the use of a "slap bracelet" mechanism. Apple first filed their patent application for a "Bi-stable spring with flexible display" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office in August of 2011. The patent describes and contains mock ups of a wearable accessory device that can be easily worn on a persons wrist. When activated, the device connects via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to a portable base device like an iPhone or iPod. The "Bi-stable spring" is most related to the slap bracelet that many of us wore growing up. According to the patent filing, this device features a flexible display screen with the necessary electronic components all fitting into the convenient body of a sleek wristband. The patent seems to make a wide range of design claims that allow Apple to iterate and develop the product even more before launch. This tactic is strategic on Apple's side since this seemingly broad based patent allows them to have claim over a wide range of wristband types and features. A patent like this gives Apple wiggle room before finalizing a design.

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/02/21/apple-patent-filing-points-directly-to-iwatch-concept-with-flexible-touchscreen-display 

Apple and Motorola: The Power of a Sensor #7

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will be revisiting the patent infringement lawsuit between Motorola and Apple where Judge Thomas Pender found that Motorola's patent for a sensor that prevents accidental hang-ups based on proximity was invalid. The ITC has the power to block imports of the iPhone if the body finds that Motorola did in fact have a claim on that feature based on their patent. In early December, the Judge ruled that Motorola's patent was not substantially different from a previous invention that prevented accidental dialing, a decision that cleared Apple of Motorola's infringement claims. Motorola, however, argued that the earlier invention the Judge was referring to concerned physical keys and not touchscreens. The commissions six-member panel will deliberate the initial ruling and come up with a final decision by April 22. This decision can have a huge impact on Apple's sales if it doesn't go in their favor.

http://bgr.com/2013/02/20/apple-motorola-patent-infringement-332171/