Patent Reform Is The Wild West… and Apple is the Sheriff

Nothing really explains the ridiculousness state patent law quite like the recent lawsuit Apple ($AAPL) filed against their key nemesis Samsung.   Apple claims that Samsung’s new Galaxy Tablet infringed on some of their iPad patents.  What patent you ask?

Apparently Apple owns the patent rights for any flat, rectangular shaped object with a glass screen. See the full patent here.

The most ridiculous patent ever. Almost as ridiculous as Ford Motors owning the patent that cars use 4 wheels.

Essentially, Apple owns the patent for *anything* that fits within the tablet form factor. How ridiculous is that?  Its almost as bad as Ford owning the patent rights to a car with 4 wheels.

Of course, the European courts ruled in favor of Apple and Samsung tablets are no longer allowed to be shipped to the EU.  It’s no coincidence that Apple also filed a lawsuit against Motorola ($MMI), claiming the same infringement with Motorola’s Xoom tablet.  Apple is doing anything in their power to outmuscle competitors and stifle competition in this emerging market.

A huge win for anti-competitive practices, lawyers, and patent trolls.

A huge loss for consumers, choice in the market place, and free competition.

Tablets should be available from a wide range of manufactuers, form factors, and prices.  Not everyone can spring $800 for an iPad, so it makes sense to have an array of different choices available for consumers.

The courts decision basically underscores that the iPad may the *ONLY* choice out there for consumers, which simply isn’t fair.

Apple’s legal world tour continues… first stop was HTC, then it was Samsung and Motorola… who’s next?

Rob currently owns an Apple iPad 2


The information in this blog post represents my own opinions and does not contain a recommendation for any particular security or investment. I or my affiliates may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in the Blog, please see my Disclaimer page for my full disclaimer.

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