http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/04/12/apple-hit-with-patent-suit-over-simultaneous-voice-and-data-wi-fi-tech
Well, another non-practicing entitity, aka patent troll, has striked again! This time, Wyncomm, the NPE, is targeting Apple, Acer, ASUSTek, Blu Products, Bonac Innovation, and Casio. Wyncomm is arguing that these companies are violating a 1996 patent from AT&T that allowed for simultaneous voice and data technology. The patent originated in AT&T's possession but was transferred multiple times until it has reached Wyncomm.
I think this is the first time I've actually read about a patent litigation utilizing patents that happened before 2000. I think technology has evolved and grown so much since then that earlier patents have been outdated. But obviously this is not the case. I am bit shocked that a company was able to patent the simultaneous voice and data technology. I know for a fact that our phones never had data capabilities in the 90s, so how did AT&T come up and patent such a concept? I still people had those brick cellphones only capable of calling, not even texting!!
This will really affect Apple with their iPhones and iPads. I have an iPhone and the ability to talk to someone on the phone and then simultaneously google something up on the internet has been really useful. I think people who have gotten accustomed to this ability will not be pleased with newer versions of Apple products if the case proves Apple guilty and Wyncomm does not license.
It is possible to patent the idea without the actual innovation exists yet. I think this is the case for AT&T. They probably use a broader approach towards this concept back at the day. It's like Android tethering technology was already existed back in the 90's that was patented by Nokia.
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