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Posted by: James Kim
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The Zen patent (6,928,433) covers the aspect of the user interface where a user can select at least one track in an MP3 player using at least three screens to browse for that track in a hierarchical method. As the Creative press release states: "One example would be the sequence of screens that could display artists, then albums, and then tracks. When the user selects an artist, the player displays a list of albums for that artist. Selection of one of the listed albums then displays a list of tracks on the album." The rub here is that the iPod and other popular MP3 players use the same type of interface--so it seems Creative is using patent litigation in its attempts to compete with Apple (and others). We're not sure if Creative will pursue a licensing agreement with Apple, but given Creative's intention on dethroning the kings of MP3, it seems likely.
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2 messages
Creative was there first
by kidelectro (See profile) - August 30, 2005 1:05 PM PDT
America: The Laughing Stock
laughable. Creative was granted a patent on an interface used
standardly in thousands of products. Can I get a patent on the
word "ice"? Don't worry - I'll let licensed, paying customers use
the word whenever they want. It really is a joke.
My guess - Creative will present Apple with a licensing
agreement. The Mad Dog will laugh hysterically, then start
barking loudly. Apple will bring the matter to court, where a
respectable judge will find the patent covers material deemed to
be in the public domain, or otherwise common knowledge, etc.
The patent will be revoked on appeal, or by court injunction.
Creative will counter this by seeking a copyright on using
batteries to power an MP3 player, and Apple will bite back by
increasing their market share from 75% to 85%.
by anassassinoftime (See profile) - August 30, 2005 12:50 PM PDT
