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Quantum Research: iPhone May Violate Patent

Tuesday, February 20th, 2007 at 8:05 AM - by

Quantum Research is looking into the possibility that some of the technology used in Apple's iPhone may violate one of its patents. Electronics Weekly reports that the features in question include the iPhone's touch screen and proximity sensing.

Duncan Bryan, licensing director at Quantum Research, commented "The description of the iPhone suggests it uses a rear-surface touch screen, and has proximity sensing which can tell if it is held to the ear. That's a QR capability."

If Quantum Research determines that the iPhone does infringe on the patent, the company plans to take Apple to court.

Quantum Research is already involved in a lawsuit with Apple over patent issues. The company claims that the charged-transfer technology used in the Click Wheel on certain iPod models infringes on another of its patents. Both companies are working towards a settlement, but the case will likely go to trial some time in 2007.

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horvatic said:

member since 27 Jun 2003 with 102 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:49 am

Uhh, Apple has 200 plus patents of there own on the iPhone. They better not jump to fast or they may find themselves in violation.

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Biff said:

member since 08 Apr 2004 with 1479 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Tue Feb 20, 2007 1:44 pm

Props to them for coming forward with this now. Most companies conveniently wait until after Apple has sold 10M units.

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Terrin said:

member since 29 Jan 2006 with 414 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Tue Feb 20, 2007 1:55 pm

Actually, it did wait for the iPod, upon which it is currently suing Apple.

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A guest said: (hide)

Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:56 pm

Apple already has their own patent for the proximity sensing feature. It will be interesting to see who wins between QR's generic patent and Apple's specific patent. Apple's patent actually says how the proximity sensor works.

#include <generic_appeal_for_end_to_generic_patents.h>

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Jonkun227 said:

member since 02 Mar 2004 with 238 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Wed Feb 21, 2007 5:29 am

Guest wrote:
#include <generic_appeal_for_end_to_generic_patents.h>

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A guest said: (hide)

Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:19 pm

horvatic wrote:
Uhh, Apple has 200 plus patents of there own on the iPhone. They better not jump to fast or they may find themselves in violation.

Apple filed for 200 plus patents, they don't have 'em yet.

Guest wrote:
Apple already has their own patent for the proximity sensing feature. It will be interesting to see who wins between QR's generic patent and Apple's specific patent. Apple's patent actually says how the proximity sensor works.

#include <generic_appeal_for_end_to_generic_patents.h>

I think this patent was filed, not granted yet.

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