Thursday, March 28, 2024

Apple Wins Samsung Lawsuit, But in 2006, Apple LOST Similar Lawsuit Over iPods

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Big news tonight. Apple won a $1 billion judgment against Samsung over infringement of its patents and design for the iPhone and tablet. But it’s not like Apple hasn’t been in the exact same position. In May 2006 they were sued by Singapore based Creative Labs, the company that actually invented the MP3 player and user interface. Creative applied for the patent in 2001 and won it in 2005, then turned around and sued Apple for stealing their ideas. Apple had to pay Creative $100 million in a settlement. Of course, Creative–which still makes MP3 players with far better sound than Apple–drifted away after that. A company with huge potential, especially when it came to putting superior sound in small devices, they never regained their footing. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be forgotten as the i-Fans pop Champagne corks that while Samsung may have copied their designs, Apple copied Creative’s schematics that make an iPod work in the first place.

Creative.com, by the way, still sells the company’s MP3 players, which used to be excellent. But after lawsuit and settlement, Creative went into the licensing business, and licensed Apple their patent. They were never the same again.

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Creative-wins-patent-for-song-navigation-system-2644056.php

http://www.macnews.com/content/apple-pays-creative-100-million-ipod-related-lawsuit

 

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.
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