This image is a single slide from a comprehensive slide presentation in the Apple Samsung courtroom battle. It enumerates just a few of the patents that Apple claims Samsung infringed.
There are more slides with more patent lists and more claims of infringement. It is a patent war of monumental proportions. And what is at stake is more than the issue of who infringed who, but also the issue of American innovation in general. What price innovation, if the defense of such innovation is monstrous? Who can afford it? How many companies have the financial muscle and legal weapons to wage a legitimate defense?
As I understand it, the Apple presentation was a detailed look at Apple's portfolio of more than 3,500 patents and its focus on Google as the primary target. The 90 page presentation of which the slide shown above is only a single slide, lists 75 patents that Apple claims the Android OS infringes on.
Do not think for a moment that this level of patent litigation does not have a negative effect on innovation.The price, scale and future of American innovation is being fought in the courts. It is a worldwide battle between giant companies that have more cash than many countries.
The battle is something to watch. If you are not following this battle as it unfolds, then you are on the innovation sidelines.
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