Apple granted multi-touch patent for iPhone

Posted by Al Warmington on Tue 27 Jan 2009

Apple snags key multi-touch tech with 358-page patent

Apple has been awarded a key iPhone patent this week. The 358-page document was submitted in September 2007 and lists Steve Jobs as one of its inventors.

Apple already holds a metric ton of patents for its many and varied technologies, so why should this one stand out? Along with describing various aspects of the iPhone’s physical design, gesture and pinch detection and the on-board software, Apple has scored the rights to a number of important multi-touch user interface designs.

This could have far reaching consequences for rival smartphone manufacturers who have or are planning to mimic the iPhone’s superb touchscreen interface.

Acting CEO, Tim Cook, has previously made it clear that Apple won’t be putting up with any funny business. “We will not stand for having our IP ripped off, and we’ll use whatever weapons that we have at our disposal,” he said. “I don’t know that I can be clearer than that.”

Cook didn’t specifically mention which device or devices could be expecting the bundle of legal notices, but the new multi-touch equipped Palm Pre, announced at CES is undoubtedly being closely scrutinised.

We can only wait and see how Apple’s busy team of legal eagles intends to use its new patent powers and how it will affect the development of future iPhone rivals.

Link: Apple (via AppleInsider)

Buy from here: Apple | Amazon | Dixons