Apple May Get Sued for its iPod
It looks like Apple may have infringed upon Creative Technology’s patent for its music players. Although Apple dominates the market, Creative says they have been awarded a patent that was based on their Nomad music player, released September 2000 – 13 months prior to Apple shipping its iPod.
According to Creative, the patent is based on how one selects music via its successive screen prompt (music>artist>song, etc). Apple currently has no comment, but according to reports it is no easy task to claim royalties on a patent; not to mention that Apple controls the MP3 player market so to some it may appear a case of ‘sore loser’. Apple’s iPod success is not based simply on its great functionality and simplicity, but Apple’s ability to market themselves as the market leader with a trendy hip-like quality.
Apple was recently denied a patent filed October of 2002 for its iPod.
Christen Costa
