Apple Bites Back

By Justin Petruccelli

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

apple-iphone.jpgAfter all the talk about this iPhone killer and that iPhone killer, it's Steve Jobs who's out for blood now.

Apple filed a lawsuit today seeking a permanent injunction against HTC on the basis of 20 alleged patent infringements. The injunction would prevent HTC from importing or selling any phones that use the features patented by Apple (so, pretty much all of them).

The lawsuit itself is obviously big news. But it brings to light something that might be much more interesting: the patents themselves.



One of the patents allegedly violated by HTC is for "Touch Screen Device, Method, And Graphical User Interface For Determining Commands By Applying Heuristics." Another is for "Unlocking A Device By Performing Gestures On An Unlock Image." And yet another is for "Charging Twice As Much For A Laptop, But Including A Free Sticker." OK, I made that last one up.

There's an old saying: You can't patent a shoelace. And yet, it's been done lots of times, even as recently as 2001--the same year some guy in Australia was granted a patent for the wheel. In this day and age, the touch screen and its various functions are the technological equivalent of the shoelace. And the "Gesture" patent was just granted a month ago. There's no doubt that the iPhone has revolutionized the smartphone industry, but who's granting these patents? And why would Apple sue now, when it's weathered every conceivable form of also-ran device, and even some of the obvious shortcomings of its own device?

Are patents easier to get than we thought? Have you ever applied for one? What gives?

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Investment Firm CEO Tells Thousands in Conference Audience That 60% of Them Will Be 'Looking for Work' Next Year

There were over 5,500 people at SuperReturn International 2025, making it the largest private equity event in the world.

Side Hustle

After a 12-Year-Old's Side Hustle Made Over $4,000 in 1 Day, He and His Dad Grew the Business to Nearly $50,000 a Month: 'It Takes Commitment'

Madden Forrest and his father, Steven, turned their passion for football into a lucrative business.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Here Are the 10 Highest-Paying Jobs For New Graduates With a Bachelor's Degree — and They All Start at Six Figures

According to a new report from Resume Genius, finding a high-paying job as a new grad is possible, even in this market.

Business Solutions

Discover How AI Can Transform the Way You Work With This $20 E-Degree

Learn how to make AI work for you with the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree, now for just $20.