Recently Apple filed a law suit against Taiwanese phone maker HTC for infringing some of tyheir patents ranging from user interface to underlying hardware and software design. Many questioned Apple's move to sue HTC and yet did not include Google and Microsoft as co-defendants when the two companies are the ones supplying the operating system for HTC phones.
Many suggested Apple did not intend to make war with Google and Microsoft on this one and instead, just paralyze their operations by putting a permanent injunction to HTC not to import any more phones in the US. It also shows Apple is acknowledging the presence of the Nexus One as a threat to their iPhone as it is included in the list of the phones Apple think is using their infringed technology.
But in a sudden turn of events, it is Apple who is now on the verge of pulling out their products in the market and losing the legal battles they have already invested time and money promoting.
Another Taiwanese company, Elan Microelectronics, is now suing Apple for using multi touch technology on the Macbook, Magic Mouse, iPhone, iPod and the new iPad. The company said Apple has stepped on their patents that include "touch-sensitive input devices with the ability to detect the simultaneous presence of two or more fingers."
"We have taken the step of filing the ITC complaint as a continuation of our efforts to enforce our patent rights against Apple's ongoing infringement. A proceeding in the ITC offers a quick and effective way for Elan to enforce its patent," an Elan representative said in a statement.
If Elan wins this patent battle, iPhones, iPads and other related products will possibly be pulled out from the market until a final resolution is arrived at.
Apple is actually fighting a weak battle since Elan has already won this kind of battle in the past. Elan sued a company called Synaptics over touch-sensitive devices and won the case but ended up on a licensing deal.
This time though, it's not clear if the case will end up in a deal since Elan sympathizes with fellow Taiwanese company HTC over its own legal battle with Apple.
This is indeed an interesting case that we all should watch for.
