Apple iPod Patent Own by Microsoft
What a twisted humor, the patent to Apple iPod’s method of using hierarchical menus to navigate through the iPod’s contents has been denied. This denial was because a similar method has been outlined in a Microsoft researcher’s patent application. So this looks like Microsoft will be getting some royalty payments for each and every iPods sold. This isn’t the first time that a company took too long to file an application for a patent and wind up not getting it.
The initial rejection of Apple’s patent, and the approval of Microsoft’s patent, could make it possible for other device makers to more closely follow the on-screen design of the iPod in their own music players. Microsoft works with hardware companies, including Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung Electronics, iRiver and others who use its digital-music software.
