Week 11, Post 21: iMessage

http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2013/04/mobile-telecommunications-technologies-sue-apple-over-imessage.html

So I read this blog which talked about Mobile Telecommunications Technologies (MTEL)) suing Apple. What they claim is that Apple infringed upon 7 of their patents, including the communication service behind iMessage. For those who don't know what iMessage is, it is a messaging system used by Apple on all their devices that allow the use of wi-fi, internet etc to send messages to and from iOS machines.  What's great is that its completely free (yay for free texting!).  MTEL is arguing that Apple is infringing on their patents by offering this service(specifically Patent 5590403, 5659891 and 5915210). MTEL presented the case in the Texas Eastern District Court.
   What I found interesting was that someone has actually patented this system. I feel that this form of messaging is very similar to many products out in the world, gchat, facebook messanger, etc. I guess I'm a bit confused why MTEL is targeting Apple. I'm also quite surprised that this method of sending messages is actually patented. I feel that since taking this course, I have realized there are so many things that are patented that I never sit down to think about!