A Hong-Kong based company wants 12 percent of all profits from iTunes and iPod sales, claiming it holds the patents to the DRM technology that governs the use of downloads through Apple Computer's online music service. [link]
iTunes' computer registration involves a process of identity verification in which a user is required to key into the computer the correct Apple ID and password he used to purchase the song.
Is it just me or does this sound like a joke? I must be missing something. You can patent a password verification system and that's worth 12% of a company? Poor Apple. I actually feel sorry for them. They're surrounded by lawsuits. It's amazing they can actually get anything accomplished. My favorite:
The Beatles sued them over the name "Apple". They should fight back and
sue Gweneth Paltrow. That'll teach her not to
abuse her child. But I digress....
Also, if you read down the original news.com article, near the bottom, you'll find this little tidbit:
Apple is currently involved in another patent battle, with Advanced Audio Devices, which claims iTunes violates its patent, filed in 2003, on a "music jukebox which is configured for storing a music library therein."
It's only a matter of time before they get sued by Microsoft, who less than a year ago
was granted a patent for the double-click. Unbelievable...