Apple Tries to Patent iPod User Interface

harlows_monkeys writes "Apple's trying to patent several aspects of the iPod user interface. This one is particularly interesting because the claims are written in fairly clear and simple language, easy to understand by anyone. If this one is granted, it won't be because an overworked examineer was confused by deliberate obfuscation by the application (which is what I think happens for a lot of the ridiculous patents). About half the claims are for things that were implemented in prior players (e.g., Archos), and the other half are for things that are in many other common device interfaces (DVD players, PVRs) and the only novelty is that Apple put them on a portable music player."

Well, duh

[Anonymous Coward]

If it was Microsoft doing this

If Microsoft were trying to patent the Apple iPod they'd deserve all the flames they could possibly get...

System and method for posting to slashdot

[Anonymous Coward]

In a web browser, a system with the intent of turning into DIGITAL DATA and eventually a system of PIXELS that resemble ENGLISH characters in a FORM. These characters will be uploaded onto the INTERNET where they will be POSTED on the popular SLASHDOT website in hopes to gain a MODERATION of funny or insightful.

Patents are getting ridiculous.

Re:Steve Jobs will own the patent?

[nacturation]

Jobs should get some credit. It was, after all, his reality distortion field the engineers were influenced by.

Re:APPLE PATENTS EVERYTHING

[90XDoubleSide]

Example:

United States Patent D478,999 [uspto.gov]
Jobs , et al., August 26, 2003

Staircase

Claims: We claim the ornamental design for a staircase, substantially as shown and describe

(I know it's a design patent. It's still a funny thing to find when you're going through a technology company's patent filings :)

batteries

[dj245]

I wonder if they'll patent that dirty little battery life feature too

Re:Where is the outrage?

[Bull999999]

What did you expect? May people here are outraged that "for-profit" corporations acutally exist for profit!

Give 'em a break

[inkswamp]

Apple has learned in the past not to allow their user interfaces to be copied. Hmm... can you maybe possibly think of an example where Apple got royally screwed for not being protective enough of their interface [microsoft.com]? Maybe not.

Re:Patent text

[Anonymous Coward]

Congrats. You've just tainted a whole shitload of people who may not have wanted to read that patent due to work they're doing.

Asswipe.

Re:buh..?

[justsomebody]

No wonder, Apple was really trademark of Adam and Eve, Apple just copied it

Re:Give 'em a break

[dfghjk]

I'm sure they were appreciative when they copied it from others, though. Hierarchical menus, wow!

Good thing Apple thought up the mp3 player first.

Re:Steve Jobs will own the patent?

[User 956]

I think any Apple engineer will tell you that Steve plays a direct role in many of Apple's high-profile products.

You could say that. Here's how it works:

Designer: Hey Mr. Jobs. Look at this new product idea I came up with! It's a small, off-white digital music player. It's stylish, matches any outfit, and fits in your pocket!

Steve Jobs: Hmm.. Change the color from "off-white", to "white". Oh, and don't forget to add my name to the patent application. Ciao. I've got a 12:30 facial.

Re:Interesting

[damiam]

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays.