Following on Apple’s legal posturing yesterday, Palm has fired back with its own statement declaring its confidence in its patent portfolio and its ability to fight off any IP legal battle. Apple’s COO Tim Cook yesterday said his company is all for competition, but will fight anyone that infringes on its IP. The statement has largely been interpreted to be directed in the Palm Pre’s direction
There’s no doubt that the Palm Pre has become one of the most anticipated devices of 2009. With a multi-touch capacitance touchscreen, intuitive UI, and innovative features like Universal Search and Palm Synergy, the Palm Pre and its Web OS are aiming squarely at Apple’s iPhone target demographic. And, we can’t imagine Apple is none too happy about seeing its former head of hardware engineering taking his know-how to the enemy.
In fact, Apple COO Tim Cook released a statement yesterday that while “we like competition,” his company ” will not stand for having our IP ripped off.” Cook’s insinuation that any other company that treads on Apple’s IP will bear the full brunt of Apple legal might very well be aimed at the Palm Pre and its use of a multi-touch display. “We are ready to suit up and go against anyone,” said Cook.
Not one to take their lumps lying down, Palm’s spokesperson Lynn Fox countered Apple’s verbal threats in her statement that “Palm has a long history of innovation that is reflected in our products and robust patent portfolio (Digital Daily found 31 pages of patents in Google Patent Search), and we have long been recognized for our fundamental patents in the mobile space. If faced with legal action, we are confident that we have the tools necessary to defend ourselves.”
Sounds like Palm is ready to battle Apple’s iPhone 3G, all the way to the courthouse, if need be. We’re going to be watching the battle between Palm and Apple closely. Pass the popcorn and soda…
[Via: DigitalDaily]