Apple wins a preliminary injunction against the Galaxy Nexus; we're giving one away right this second!

By Phil Nickinson  | Jun 29 2012 | 7:41 pm  | 4944 Comments

Galaxy Nexus

Apple ... blah blah blah ... Google ... blah blah blah ... Patent ... blah blah blah ... Search ... blah blah blah ... Banned ... Blah blah blah.

Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a shit. Lawyers are doing what lawyers are wont to do. This is only growing more ridiculous with each passing day.

In fact, here's how much I don't care. We're going to give away another Galaxy Nexus right here, right now. Because despite this ruling, they're still shipping. It's just lawyers being lawyers.

Here's how to win: Leave a comment in this post about how messed up all this patent nonsense is. We'll pick a winner by noon EST Saturday, June 30. Everyone's invited. Not just in the U.S.

Here are a few links about today's news, if you still wanna read more: Reuters; FOSS Patents

Phil Nickinson

Phil Nickinson Editor in Chief

"Phil is a recovering print journalist, editor of Android Central, subtitles and street signs."

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There are 4944 comments

Darian says:

All this patent crap needs to stop, I thought Tim Cook didn't like all this nonsense?

dinosuh says:

Ridiculous patent war started by apple...

darkshade says:

The entire patent system needs an overhaul. It was meant for to protect inventors and spur innovation, but now it's just dominated by large companies using them as tactical weapons. Small inventors can't even use patents effectively unless they just sell it, because bigger companies who are interested in it can just attack the inventor/startup with tangential patents if they ever try to release a product. Having just a patent can't protect you from anything. You need an arsenal of them.

Of course, the patent system needing an overhaul is completely decoupled from it getting one. There are too many big players with too much at stake to allow anything significant to change.

tejaskary says:

Just one line sums it up: The search giant is being sued for a universal search patent....Can't get more ridiculous than that

awwsomme says:

And to think I used to purchase iOS devices. Thank the Lord for the Nexus line!

12noonclock says:

Yes please

Farmerbill says:

if this kind of crap worked on cars could you imagine what kinds of cars we'd all be driving right now. we'd all have ford model t's, because any other company that makes a car with 4 wheels would get taken to court and sued. any app made for a phone or program in some way is going to look close to what someone else made up, this is not a reason to sue the whole world. apple needs to get over the fact that they are not the only phone or tablet company out there. apple is just scared of competition and anyone that makes something better than them they sue.

xplod says:

Once again is scared of what android is able to do and rather than try to upstage them with better hardware and software they would rather just try to stop its existence

alluredetail says:

Instead of spending so much money on lawyers fighting these Patent(s) rights, they should start paying there employees more then minimum wage and only 25% off over priced laptops. Burristas make more then Apple employees.

kennethbring says:

I was knee deep in this during the EVO 4G LTE fiasco. I'm an Apple user for my computing needs as well, but the more I see of this patent bullshit, the more I realize how much of a monopoly Apple "wants". Every time they see a tiny bit of competition in any form, they block it on the pretenses that they had it first.

When is Google going to block the import of ALL iPhones because of their notification system? It's almost the exact same thing as Androids notification system, but Google doesn't care because it creates a duopoly. When companies compete, consumers win. But Apple wants nothing to do with that. They want to own the world. And they'll block anyone who gets in the way of them doing that.

A bunch of children.

Zfwaeld says:

The patent system needs to change.

ttyrell says:

Apple sux. Now give me my phone bitches!!

agentzeronine says:

I like Tim Cook. He seems reasonable. I think its just a matter of time till he acknowledges that this isn't the way to compete with Google. This situation is lame, but I think its temporary.

lrosenman says:

The patent system (especially for software) is so screwed up it's inhibiting innovation, instead of encouraging it.

We really need the congress to fix it, but given the current divisiveness there, I'm not holding out much hope.

DesiredBean says:

I guess that is just Apple's policy if you can't compete sue, oh god apple you are going to loose causing a hiccup will not stop your downfall :-)

bhorstmann says:

Apple gets more ridiculous every day.

Roscopcoletrain says:

Totally ridiculous. Nothing more to say.

mickeyd1488 says:

all this patent fighting is getting old...for the most part nothing really comes of anything and from what I've read Google holds a patent which can destroy Apple by getting the iPhone and iPad banned which I believe has to do something with Wi-Fi

Steve Adams says:

I think that google should fire back a shot over the bow of apples ship in the shape of a lawsuit regarding the notification center. IM loving my old HTC hero. That phone is more advanced than the ip4s. Would love to have a nexus to upgrade to and really stick it to the apple fanboys.

patrick.wang3 says:

All of this is just messed up. Competition is what keeps technology moving forward. Since Apple can't be competitive they have to ban other companies from selling their products. These judges are also very bored or what not since they have the time to look into all these nonsense. Just throw it all out and let the games begin! We as customers should have the right to choose what we want and if all these Android phones are being banned in America, then we're slowly just gonna become a communist country!

sinanharb says:

I personally like this patent wars because in my opinion i think that this is the beginning of the end for apple.
they are commiting suicide.

Orson says:

Is this injunction a joke? I can't tell you that because there is a patent on patenting jokes: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u...

Hogosha says:

So there I was claiming to be an Apple Fanboy all along and I keep hearing more and more about all this patent nonsense and monopolizing from them... I would really like to not be a part of that team anymore and get an Android. Here's to the continued growing Android community and my chance at winning one to be that added member!

zthralls says:

A kitten dies each time Apple files a patent dispute

costlyman says:

I have said this before and I will say this again, Apple is a very evil organisation and a hindrance to the technological development of consumer electronics. They should alteast after the death of Jobs change their tactics towards dealing competition and try to compete rather that destroy competitors using their rather 'silly' patents.

jerkysh says:

Google is beating Apple's ass!!! Apple is just mad they can't do anything to beat back Google, so they just sue them, that's the only thing they can do!

chefdave12118 says:

For the love of god Phil, Jerry and the rest of you please pick me. I'm NEVER a beggar but I only have a dumb phone for the first time since the launch of the OG Evo 4g (I've since gone to Big Red)

If I win the GNex I will sue Apple just for being a tool shed bully.

Peace and Love,

Chef

PS. Please don't leave me with ONLY my Galaxy player. This thing is making me mental. :p

barentsen says:

In all honesty, Apple should toss in the towel. Do they think they are really going to win? Say good-bye to your 95 million dollars. That is alot of money that could be spent on R&D of their own products...

Twofingerz says:

Can't we all just get along? Suing for trivial things like slide to unlock is maddening. Innovate, don't infuriate.

DennisMWard says:

First these "design"and "software" patents being granted are ludicrous. And if they were legitimate patents then Apple should not be able to sell any product they have ever made since they have all borrowed heavily from pior art of others.
The copyright system ptotects them from others using their apple logo which is obviously the key feature for their phones.

Invalidate all these junk patents they have been granted for others technology.

dartmouthland says:

Enough Apple. Spend more time improving your dated UI and less time in court.

daguy says:

Enough Apple, even your die hard fans are starting to think twice about your actions.

pandeykaji says:

This is beyond ridiculous. The only people that really lose from this are the consumers and for that I have vowed never to buy anything Apple related in my household until Apple decides man up and compete instead of trying to stop others from selling. I hope that this ruling will go away and I can purchase my Galaxy Nexus next month when I'm up for an upgrade or better yet be lucky and win one right here tomorrow :)

quigs1 says:

Greedy, arrogant, people who talk out of both sides of their mouths ruin all the innovation that is out there. Patents serve a purpose, but this has gone too far. Stop bickering and invest your time and money into more innovation - then donate the excess to good charities that help those in need. Heck - start with the charities!

col_krismiss says:

I bet the judges have ipads and I phones and apple threatened to force them to use itunes in order to activate their idevices again.

heartcures says:

Patent law=fuzzy math, in my opinion. You can slow down the wheels of progress but you'll never be able to stop them.

Or so, a wise person once told me.

rotorrocket says:

Screw you Apple. Never, ever will I buy an iProduct...

matt3166 says:

Apple just needs to let it go and play nice with others. I'm surprised Samsung hasn't just stopped doing any type of dealings with them. I'm glad a judge last week said how everyone feels about how stupid all this is.

AscendedOne360 says:

This patent war is broken to the point that innovation comes second to litigation. In this case, the patent that constituted the ban is a unified search involved with Siri... Seriously? A SEARCH PATENT against GOOGLE??? The fact that it's related to Siri is even more insulting considering it's, in essence, voice search. Something that's been done by Google for years before Siri came into existence. Other patents involved are slide to unlock, data tapping, and auto correct. All of which are involved with just about every touchscreen smartphone on market.

Any company looking to stifle competition with vague patents such as these should consider the damage caused to the industry as a whole due to less concentration on creating compelling products in favor of more concentration on preventing the creation of these products and, in turn, healthy competition. This practice is obviously not limited to Apple, but it's obvious that they are by far the worst offenders.

AscendedOne360 says:

As I progress as a developer, graphics artist, and film producer, I can guarantee that none of the content I create shall be seen on any iOS device. I'd rather stick with Android, only. I won't rule out others unless they get as bad as Apple.

wtiger91 says:

Whatever apple. The nexus 2 will screw your iphone 5 is the assssss.

todivefor says:

Patent suit by Apple is ridiculous!

Lazaretto says:

I'd like to say that I will not support Apple anymore but I never have bought a single thing from Apple. So I could really use a Nexus, so I can get off VZW.

acithium says:

In today's world, one sign of being a successful company is constantly fighting lawsuits for patent infrindgment. I think there is a logic tree for companies trying to eliminate the competition. If you can't buy them out, sue them. Repeat until you win.

Cactacae says:

Don't innovate...litigate! Scared to death Google is gonna take a big bite out of their Apple.

Seems like modern patent/IP is all about squelching competition, not protecting the genuine innovations that you've made.

Keldog says:

Really, Apple.. Does this ever really work?

Muffspring18 says:

100 Billion dollars to burn and they still feel like they are threatened! Once an Apple guy and now I'm all for Linux and Android!

Maximus22 says:

This is getting really old. I think Apple finally discovered you can buy judges as well.....

guyfromtrinidad says:

To be honest you guys didn't even need to offer a Galaxy nexus for me to comment how ridiculous this is. Expect to see record sales of the nexus 7 in response, heck if I could buy one right now I would

guyfromtrinidad says:

To be honest you guys didn't even need to offer a Galaxy nexus for me to comment how ridiculous this is. Expect to see record sales of the nexus 7 in response, heck if I could buy one right now I would

Tryptykon says:

in the words of Dave Chappelle

"Man the Judge is f*ckin' up!"

Seriously though this patent BS is getting old.real.fast

xman0920 says:

I'm getting SICK!!!! of the technology stronghold that Apple is trying to have on everybody. They are simply afraid of the innovation that GOOGLE has that they don't! Have they started a lawsuit against Nexus Q for it being extremely remotely close to their airport system? I laugh at how difficult it is to load a simple ringtone on an iPhone( I helped my parents do it once). Their Proprietary stuff is inconvenient and garbage all because they want control. Now they are trying to stop the king of search?

I haven't owned and iPhone and I won't. I'd love a Nexus, win one or not, with or without Google search on board. Still better than an iPhone.

EZPIMP69 says:

I am tired of all this patent bullshit. Especially with Apple always trying to prevent other companies from bringing competition. This to me seems like Apple is scared that they have met they're competition. Technology from all corners is helping the consumer better their everyday lives and by prevent companies from releasing something incredible or advanced for example like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is ridiculous. I believe that Android has came a long way since the release of the Nexus One. Apple's IOS is just not that exciting and the only thing that helps it standout is Siri and its screen quality. Other than that the phone is useless. If I had an Iphone I would attempt to flash Android onto it. Google and its partnered companies have worked together to release incredible and advanced devices that have caused its growth and Apple is now scared of the numbers of activation's and that they are soon going to pass theirs. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is an awesome phone and if I had the money I would buy one before it truly is banned. Screw you Apple, always hating on the competition. Microsoft, you are also a hater but at least not as bad as Apple and their bullshit patent wars. Google, help your partners out since they helped put Android on the map.

micl9 says:

well shoot
here we go again

xman0920 says:

I'm getting SICK!!!! of the technology stronghold that Apple is trying to have on everybody. They are simply afraid of the innovation that GOOGLE has that they don't! Have they started a lawsuit against Nexus Q for it being extremely remotely close to their airport system? I laugh at how difficult it is to load a simple ringtone on an iPhone( I helped my parents do it once). Their Proprietary stuff is inconvenient and garbage all because they want control. Now they are trying to stop the king of search?

I haven't owned and iPhone and I won't. I'd love a Nexus, win one or not, with or without Google search on board. Still better than an iPhone.

lkspencer says:

Patents are out of hand. Here's my 2¢ about this case:

1) (U.S. Patent No. 5,946,647) A computer-based system for detecting structures in data and performing actions on detected structures

--while this was issued back on August 31, 1999 it strikes me as an odd patent to allow since it sounds like it would prevent anyone from being able to take any kind of action on data they got back from a query to any kind of data source...isn't that what having a database is for? We store data and then we query it. The results help us identify patterns or structures so that actions can be performed. Developers have been doing that for many many years prior to 1999. Trend analyses is done by any major company. It's what keeps them ahead of the game.

2) (U.S. Patent No. 8,086,604) a patent related to Siri and unified search, which must be of huge concern to Google with a view to its core business

--Are you kidding me? Like unified search is anything new to Android! Google search has been around for a long time and if anything Siri is the copy here.

3) (U.S. Patent No. 8,046,721) a new slide-to-unlock patent that even had the head of the Taiwanese government profoundly worried

--Why in the HELL was a patent even issued for something so trivial as unlocking a phone? Next thing you'll see...all pad locks for homes will be recalled due to a patent that a single company had on how a key is to turn to unlock the door. Can, and more importantly *should* this be patentable? The glaring and obvious answer is NO.

4) (U.S. Patent No. 8,074,172) a word completion patent that provides major speed improvements for touchscreen text entry

--Again, this is nothing new. Heck, they've had word completion in applications like Visual Studio and Eclipse and several other applications years before iPhone even existed.

What this all boils down to is the nature of software patents is completely out of hand. It's crossed over to hardware patents too and this is all just hurting us as customers.

Edwill86 says:

Paten this :slaps ass:

jordanfritzsche says:

The worst part about this patent is that it was filed in 2004! While I'm sure that the iPhone was in the works in some form three years before it was introduced, I highly doubt that these "inventions" where thoroughly thought out. The wording is so vague and nondescript that it could be describing a number of different things. Technology like this should not be able to be patented.

acithium says:

In today's world, one sign of being a successful company is constantly fighting lawsuits for patent infrindgment. I think there is a logic tree for companies trying to eliminate the competition. If you can't buy them out, sue them. Repeat until you win.

myowin says:

If Steve Jobs is still alive, what would he says? Apple days are over..

dcsmith2060 says:

This is just another case of litigation over innovation. Apple has not innovated with any of the ios releases and google voice search predates siri by a few years.

arturorascon73 says:

I want one please! Pretty please!

salatapi says:

From now on, instead of saying "You're acting like a six year old", I'm going to say "You're acting like Apple".

solido888 says:

While I disagree with Apple and think the patent system is in need of serious reform, all the major players engage in this behavior, Apple just seems to get the most notoriety.

messem says:

You can call it the unethical game. The image that comes to my mind is the player in soccer simulate a foul to take advantage. It's unfair but it happens.
The only solution is to prevent this bullshit by becoming stricter upstream. Getting a patent on a idea or a generic design is a nonsense.
But, all of this is a dream. Money talks.

So ladies and gentlemen, let's the unethical game continue.

kaediil says:

I am a software engineer and I believe software patents are about the dumbest concept ever. Specific algorithms I can sort of understand, but swipe to unlock, really? Absolutely ridiculous!

jasonvvong says:

This is ridiculous. An injunction is the exception, not the rule. It is only allowed when there is "no adequate remedy at law." It's absolutely amazing that a temporary injunction was granted. Apple's plan of suing every aspect of Android is anti-competitive. These patents are overly broad such that it leads to arbitrary results like this. Federal Courts need to take a Law and Economics approach like Judge Posner and dismiss these frivolous cases with prejudice (from all smartphone manufacturers)

dontknow61 says:

Apple must be scared of Android gaining market share. Unified search has never been unique to Apple, they just filed the patient first. Hey Apple! the more you try to ban something the more popular it will get. Rant OVER!

striker256 says:

If Apple tries to kill it Google will acquit it!

brandas says:

It's OK the lawyers need something to bill for.

Crucial#AC says:

Google just needs to start a open source patent of some sort and end this bs

redstar427 says:

All of these patent wars do is waste huge amounts of time and money, and the consumer loses and has to pay more.

The Nexus is already a great product, and that is why I want it. :)

bewlew says:

This patent bs makes me so angry I left a comment on a website!

Rob White says:

Ben Franklin once wrote that the patent system would inevitably lead to less invention & greed. I believe he has been proven right yet again. And as one of the most prolific inventors in history, who gave most everything away for science & human advancement, I'd suggest he was THE authority on patents.

*sigh*

Congratulations to Apple; you continue to prove you are worse than Microsoft ever was. And they got sued by the Justice dept & other world gov'ts & regulatory bodies. I only wonder what the hold up is with you?

Rob White says:

Ben Franklin once wrote that the patent system would inevitably lead to less invention & greed. I believe he has been proven right yet again. And as one of the most prolific inventors in history, who gave most everything away for science & human advancement, I'd suggest he was THE authority on patents.

*sigh*

Congratulations to Apple; you continue to prove you are worse than Microsoft ever was. And they got sued by the Justice dept & other world gov'ts & regulatory bodies. I only wonder what the hold up is with you?

rotto16 says:

What a waste. Of time.

Andyrue says:

The patent system so needs to be overhauled. The back and forth is so retarded.

gvndeb60 says:

Big waste of money and time. Spend it making better phones for us or donate all of the wasted millions to charity.

jrocm says:

What, the patent that clinched the ban for Apple was over search....thats crazy android is Google, who invented search jkjk...google and samsung must get this worked out...also i would love to have an amazing phone like the gnex, i would truly appreciate one.

elementur says:

Aw yeah! Wait... what's the topic?

Slacasse508 says:

Apple needs to realize it does not own every thought in the universe...long live King Android!

Seraphan1 says:

Why would a company with such a Superior product need to block the sale of another? Apple know dangerous competition when it sees it.

RoboWarrior says:

I am amazed at how broken this patent system is. Without further ado, the first president that decides to fix this system (by granting the ability to deny patents that are ambiguous like a shape of a phone or slide to unlock) is the president I support. Now about that email to Mr. Obama...

PraetorianGuard says:

Apple should stop their patent nonsens and just admit they have an inferior product ;). Instead they try to sue their way to it.

Touchpaddle says:

how long did it take Apple to come up with 95.6 million dollars for the bond money?
I'm guessing 60 seconds or less to wire the money from Zurich?

This is getting out of hand. Does anybody know if the injunction just bars Samsung
from shipping more Galaxy Nexus phones to retailers? Or do the retailers also have
to immediately pull the phones from the shelves? (i.e. Amazon.com, Verizon Wireless,
Best Buy, online or retail stores)

Before they do all that, I'd love to win one here.... Thanks! :)

GarciaTRamon says:

Message to Apple: Stop the trial!!! Message to Android Central: Continue with the give away!!!

shafer0219 says:

It's as ridiculous as the Judge that let it happen. Apple can suck a fat one. PS: Hope I win.

Thanks!

jiggaman says:

It's messed up because it only raises the prices for everybody. At least that's what the jelly bean counters say....

Tampaguy75 says:

completely ridiculous! This will backfire on Apple.

texaskj07 says:

If you can't compete then why not just sue over something stupid. I mean all your new stuff has been on Android forever

Mandrakefu says:

I guess apple has given up on actually trying to keep the iphone competitive... Sad...

soulsurvives says:

Apple can kiss my ass.........

Myself says:

Samsung has one of the biggest market shares in the mobile market and apple is scared. Therefore they sue to try and protect their market share instead of making better products and selling more. In their eyes, diversity and options are bad.

mesocyclonic says:

This is absolutely absurd. I'm not sure what Apple is thinking the endgame is here; paying a seemingly endless supply of lawyers to get temporary import bans doesn't help them recapture lost market share. Not only does it show an immaturity on the part of Apple, but it shows that we need patent reform in the US NOW. Let the inventors of a device earn their due for their work, but doing so through ambiguous, overly broad patents holds back innovation!

peelersx says:

This just give me one more reason to leave Apple and moving over to Android. Had it with Apple and all the BS they been doing. Cant wait till Sunday so I can get rid of my iphone 3g and move over to Android.

peelers.

IsaacDuPree says:

There is a difference between protecting intellectual property and just taking advantage of a terrible system. I can understand Apple wanting to ban devices that have similar icons or designs, but the Galaxy Nexus is nothing like the iPhone. Apple is using simple ideas like slide to unlock to stifle true innovation on Google's and Samsung's part.

HBowles says:

Bottom line: Apple crucifies Android for doing something every company in the world does, including themselves especially, because nothing is original. This is why I will never support the hypocritical company in any way possible ever. I'm about to go run over an apple in my android-themed vehicle, Rhonda the Honda.

crashvoodoo says:

I thought silly feature shit like this was already ruled baseless and unlikely to harm a company by Judge Posner. He seems like a smart fellow. Can we not get him to go smack this Lucy Koh upside the head?

cron912 says:

It's ridiculous, but I'm going to join the insanity and get a patent on data. Then I can sue all mobile phone software and hardware manufacturers. Bwhahaha!

brat1475 says:

Can't they all just get along? I miss the days when phones competed on quality, features, and price. Patents are getting out of control. If the Qwerty keyboard had come out now instead of in the past, someone would have patented the thing and we would never have standardization. Ridiculous.

webmatt01 says:

Apple can no longer innovate.. so they have resulted in suing their competition.. its the only fight they have left.

curley says:

This is horse crap.

Fuck Apple.

yurasis says:

Apple, and patent laws, suck!

Gimmie a phone!

applcobbler says:

This just in, Apple has announced a new patent covering holding your phone with one hand. All Smartphones found in violation (except the Galaxy Note)

RoscoeDpG says:

bitch made moves by apple, if they are so confident they cant be taken down why stop the phones

polyemtgirl says:

I'm usually a huge fan of apple (posting this from my macbook) but even I think this is ridiculous!!

Joey the Squid says:

I was actually planning on getting a Galaxy Nexus tomorrow. Looks like I might have a better chance winning one than buying one now...

carmicp says:

Apple and it's patents: Ya know it's not they have *really* invented anything. They exist on the work of others they "borrowed". For the most part, they just took ideas of others and perhaps improved upon some of them, but they just took. Apple is just the fat kid in the sandbox complaining because the other kids made a better sand hill to play in. So they stomp them. Guess what: The other kids don't care and will make a new sand pile, still better. Never have drank the apple juice, never will.

venious says:

Patents suck the lifeblood from the earth! Just say no to patents.

AlvinPing says:

Litigation ≠ Innovation.

chough says:

To hell with apple. I will never own a apple product. LOVE my google

vijayd says:

There is only one solution to this: Make software patents illegal (like many countries). This is just getting ridiculous.

AndroidEatsAppleCores says:

It is extremely ridiculous. Apple is so frightened of their continuous loss of the market that instead of reaching out and creating amazing innovative products they decide the courts is the better way to
handle things. It is sad when technology is beaten in courts by attorneys eating up money and time than by true competition. This has to stop every day waking up to Apple sues for this patent or Samsung against Apple is not a great thing to wake up to. I understand that they have to protect their technologies but when you are going after every single freaking patent that is in your portfolio you really are not running the company as a competitor more of a little bastard child who does not know who his parents were. On a personal note, I hope Samsung comes out strong. I heard Apple has the next big thing its crap covered Apples with a 5 on it somewhere.

hollerwt says:

Patent trolls stink.

PikkonX says:

Someone has to step in and stop this nonsense from happening over and over again. I wonder if there's any individual over at Apple concerned about the negative publicity these tactics cause.Probably not...

scotth23 says:

Next, Apple will be suing God because he continues to grow Apples.

nnatic says:

ill take it!

moab336 says:

Great promo guys. Awful business practice.

PaulGo says:

This patent situation is really screwed up! The patent law is way overdue for reform.

cakoisee says:

Apple is just jealous with Google's success and they got nothing else to do. this patent thingy is just simply nonsense and ridiculous!

yeah yeah says:

Maaan Apple ruining all the fun.

IronLone says:

Honestly when it comes down to it, a phone is a phone. So what if you steal someone else's patent.

It's just going to come out with the same stuff over and over. Honestly what has changed with any mobile phone? Duel core processors? Big whoop. I want a phone that is controlled by thought, then I'll rush out and buy it.

Till then, it's as they say, kids will be kids. Apple is just the bigger kid on the playground stealing your lunch money.

Poor google :( always the victim :(

mfeigley says:

I hate software patents because they allow vague and obvious things to be patented and just end up preventing competition which is always a bad thing. The worst offender is Amazon with its one click purchasing.

Bennettckm says:

Apple is the worst they sue if you anything resembles their product but they had no problem using other patents for years from Microsoft... they are like a damn cult... down with apple!!!

Davest says:

It's just silly. I used to have respect for Apple, back when they were the innovators taking on Microsoft. Now, they just steal others' tech, then try to claim it as their own.

austinbeam says:

There can't be a winner without a loser. Apple may think they've won or are going to win, but the loser isn't going to be Google if they do, it'll be consumers. Why is it that when Apple copies something it's innovative, but when anyone else does it's stealing?

austinbeam says:

There can't be a winner without a loser. Apple may think they've won or are going to win, but the loser isn't going to be Google if they do, it'll be consumers. Why is it that when Apple copies something it's innovative, but when anyone else does it's stealing?

cellio says:

how much money is wasted on these lawsuits? They could be making better products faster if they focused.

Incrediboy says:

Well... I'm positive that in the end..it will just end up costing me money..... Grrrr.... Droid lives!

Iamkulas says:

Apple sucks big time on this design patent claims. Their request to ban the Galaxy Nexus because of design is like killing all zebras because they look like horses. Apple learn to compete the right way.

agarzac#AC says:

The patent system has become a real danger to innovation, new companies and entrepreneurs. Thus becoming the opposite of what it should be, the problem is that this “fights” have been around for years and they haven’t really tried to find an answer.

This kind of “figths” started on the farmaceutical industry, where the one with the biggest pokets always won, now it has reached the electronic industry and the figths between apple, Samsung, google, and the like are just ridiculous. And the sadest part is that the problem is spreading to other industries. I work on the alternative energy industry and we have been threated already that if we don’t take out of the market one of our products we will be sued, we developed that technology from the beginning but they have deeper pockets so that put us in a bad situation (still we won’t give up since we are fighting for the greater good that is to save the planet).

eckl says:

Desperate situation requires desperate measure. This is something apple is being desperate about because android is really getting better. Instead of trying to compete and innovate further, apple choose to enrich the lawyers. Pathetic!

alee921 says:

Hope this gets overturned soon...

Scrappy08 says:

Some new injunction everyday. Apple is scared because Android is getting very popular and is stealing all their fanboy sales. Keep up the good work Android!

jplo23 says:

apple's just mad goolge makes a better os and took them less time to make it.... wife needs a new phone really bad!!!!!

galactic23 says:

I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Sad that the only way they know how to win is through lawsuits and the courts instead of innovation. Poor Rotten Apples.

mobrules says:

Apple really sucks for this. I am so tired of all of it. I will never give a dollar to them for anything!!!!!!!

Ztrangero says:

Patents or no patents the only one losing here is the customers. What if apple makes the impossible possible and from here now on no more Samsung phones with Android? What is that in any way good for anyone but for Apple shareholders since there will be no competition. Granted Samsung isn't the only manufacturer out there but the customer will still lose a choice, freedom to select a or b or even c. This patent nonsense should be completely banned because at the end of the day we all lose as a customer the freedom to select which phone we decide to invest our money on.

P.S. I don't really like Samsung phones, I'm an HTC guy but still I just think that Apple should not be allowed to continue with this madness.

7590steve says:

This apple patent stuff reminds me of monopoly... Hear me out. The patent lawsuits are so frequent that its like passing go, collecting $200. The thing is, while apple is steadily passing go, Google is buying up mobile phone "real estate" that will pay out in the end.

MadCow1 says:

How can Apple patent stuff that was already available before they got in the business? Crazy.

MousePad says:

Patent litigation as it is, is ridiculous. Tech companies, spend all that money innovating instead of looking like a 12 year old who just got ripped by his older sister...

trap49 says:

Apple, you had it all to yourself for a few years, but the only way to keep market share is to keep improving your product. You look pathetic by having lawyers sue anyone who comes out with a competing product, why don't you use your massive profits to make a better phone, tablet, etc. AND SAVE THE LEGAL FEES. Grow up!

Don T

thebourbonnflip says:

One Word: Ridiculous.

yehoni says:

This just proves how pointless all these lawsuits are. Who cares about a sales ban that doesn't ban any sales?

Joet says:

Patents don't kill innovation. Lawyers do.

Apple can have my GNex with Jellybean goodness that I put on it about an hour ago, when they pry it from my cold, dead, hands...

moonwalker1432 says:

I'm a die hard android fan but also a lover of all things technology has to offer. This whole patent thing is stupid and personally I'm sick of Apple trying to sue fir everything. Nobody buys an Android and gets reminded of the IPhone and nobody buys an IPhone and gets reminded of an Android. Android gets consumers to buy them because the experience is pure bliss...not because of anything Apple related. Android is very innovative and Apple needs to just eat that fact...no pun intended.

schweed says:

I cannot believe this. I was finally fed up with contracts and decided it was time to buy galaxy nexus today. The moment I check android central I found out Google and Samsung are once again being attacked by Apple's lawyers. This does not make any sense. None of the patents seem remotely novel. I think all of these features have been around for over a decade. I think I am done with Apple products. They make great computing devices, but they need to compete on innovation, not stifling the competition through the legal system.

terry3386 says:

Tried the adventurous patent wars
Didn't care for it
Too much patents
I'll just get a galaxy nexus anyway

greenmonster says:

Each time a patent case goes to trial, $100M+ is wasted on lawyers instead of innovation. Everyone loses. All the small players will be squeezed out of the market leaving only the patent trolls and patent giants.

gathome says:

I would like to say this is why I will never own an iPhone but that's not the case. I will never own an iPhone because ANDROID ROCKS!!! My phone does things an iPhone will NEVER do! I absolutely love it and much, much thanks to everyone who helps make this awesome device out-perform the iPhone in every way! (You scared, Apple? You SHOULD be!!!)

coookies_ says:

I just think it's silly that there given these stupid patents anyway! ><

burkey1973 says:

Kristin huguet accusing Samsung of copying the look and feel of Apple products. Steve Jobs admitting in 96 of being shameless of stealing great ideas. Who gives a shit if some smartphones look similar? It's the OS and hardware under the hood that is going to attract the user (well unless the phone is just fuggly).

sdouglas3673 says:

Patents are apple's only line of product preservation. They're playing catch up and this is the only way for them to get a dig in at Google and Samsung

jeeves744 says:

Blood sucking lawyers. Only ones who win in all this. But i would like a new phone lol

vishalsheth83 says:

This whole patent system is such bullshit. I don't understand why they allow such broad patents to get approved. I don't have any apple products, but it's not just some sort of hatred against Apple...it's just because other devices get the job that I need done in a better way. I have a BlackBerry 9900, and an HTC One X, plus a PlayBook and a tab 10.1. Along the way, I've used other blackberry devices, windows mobile, android, iOS, and WP7(.5) devices as well. I know the good and the bad between all of them and I stick with what works best for me.

But the fact remains...all of the mobile companies do things in a similar fashion. There shouldn't be such broad patents approved to limit basic functionality.

Caifan09 says:

Apple with their BS and their patent trolling. It is unbelievable. Damn It!!!!

TDMaster says:

Since apple doesnt really innovate anymore they are trying to stop other good compaines with all those patents Wars!!!!

chilicheech says:

patent? there's a patent dispute going on right now? what? never ever heard of this type of dispute.. :-p

keoni8888 says:

New phone please... thank you.

ashwinb says:

This is such a crock of shit!! I hope Google doesn't remain on the sidelines anymore and actually does something about this bullshit from Apple.

Pls let me win so that I can get my hands on a GNex as its not available here in India.

tysj says:

PATENT EVERYTHING! SUE EVERYONE!

drmichael0580 says:

It is all rubbish. The way I see it, if your phone is the best, then it will sell like the best. If you are confident in your device then you do not need to try and stop others from doing what they do to make their devices great.

domo22 says:

screw crapple apple.. another day another lawsuit..

nelsencd says:

The patent system sucks right now. Everybody knows it. Enough said.

srkDesign says:

Honestly, I feel like Apple spends more time starting patent wars than they do innovating anymore.

longenab says:

Give me the nexus!!!

n8_dc_oslo says:

So, if I win does that mean my Nexus will be shipped to me in the anus of a coke mule? I certainly hope so.....

archer75#AC says:

Ever since I got my nexus my wife has been looking at selling her iPhone. I'd love to help her ditch apple by giving her this phone!

heclaboy82 says:

This is BS. Isn't google a search company. They should have these patents on look. Time to flex some of those Motorola patents

sdconvoy says:

Apple should really just stop. Competition is a good thing. They have gone from bringing good ideas in the market (when iOS first came out) to just copying and suing. Pathetic.

Chance says:

Apple sucks. Get over yourself apple most of these patents were on older phones before the ifail.

Would love to rock the nexus just to spite them.

user79 says:

I agree with most of the post here, that apple is hurting there own public image by crying over patents.

AtanRaca says:

As a consumer this makes me disgusted. How can Apple honestly think they are going to get away with this for much longer. Can't wait till the iPhone 5 comes out. Patent trolls will be coming out at full force from all sides. There is no winner in this game of cat and mouse.

Dirtman16 says:

Wish I had something useful to add. But the truth is...I just want the Nexus.

40zach says:

Apple, this is why everyone is starting to hate your products and apple in general. They are hurting themselves with all these patents just because they don't want any other company to do better!

Uzian says:

Patents overall are a good thing to help protect products, but Apple is just using the system to try to squash the competition. It's sad they are manipulating the system the way that they are.

thunderboy says:

This is another example how apple wants to control what you should buy.... Google IO proved how far ahead they are compared to iOS ..

Ooltewah_Vol says:

This is beginning to get out of hand. Apple needs to spend their resources on making ios6 as innovative as JB on the Nexus instead of trying to block the phone. I would gladly replace my iPhone for a Nexus if I was eligible for a renewal.

shokpin says:

At some point humanity needs to realize that pettiness is only going to make it that much easier for the Cylons to take over.

jbuggydroid says:

Apple... Blah... Blah... Blah... Nuff said lol

wcrenshaw3 says:

Tired of these nonsensical patent lawsuits over such common everyday features.

_X_ says:

When the former head patent judge comes out of retirement to speak out about the breakdown of the patent system and is calling for reform you know it truly is messed up.

It's sad how patents are no longer used to protect a companies investment and know is used to blockade free business.

boarderline says:

This is just an example of lawyers destroying justice!

izanaki says:

This whole patent thing is getting out of hand. It seems as if everyday there is some company fighting with another regarding these patents. I think they should just focus on creating better products.

arkuti says:

I think I'm going to go ahead and patent using a phone that shows images that can be decoded by the human eye. I wonder if anyone has that one yet.

stinkyfischer says:

this is a lot of comments......the things that are patented are very broad

citycrazed25 says:

When will they stop. Just like a little kid crying because they can't win.

beastmANDROID says:

*crosses fingers* Wife needs a good Android phone!

xxr2hxx says:

Apple, You Suck!!!

jackattack says:

I wish Apple would spend half the time and money they do on trying to shut down Android on creating something new and useful. iOS has looked pretty much the same since it's inception while Android is constantly evolving.

thunderstruck says:

Lawyers are all dicks, and rather than choosing to innovate, Apple chooses to litigate. Look and feel, geez. Does this mean if I ever wear a black turtleneck I can be sued by Jobs estate for copying Steve's look?

longenab says:

Screw apple, give me the nexus!!

wcmarchese#AC says:

I believe this is over the swipe to unlock patent, but I had seen something showing they weren't the inventor of it. Oh well, let's see where this lawsuit goes.

Would love a galaxy nexus.

WCM

firebat1212 says:

Apple has the masses brainwashed into buying their over priced out of date tech and instead of spending money in R&D they dump money into lawyers and tie up the legal system. At some point carriers should stop carrying the iPhone and iPad since these lawsuits and delays are hurting them just as much as they hurt consumers. This is garbage and makes me sick maybe I'll ask an unoriginal gimmick app to order me some tomato soup...

juror13 says:

Apple desperate attempts to keep $ in their pockets

gksmithlcw says:

I don't get it... What is Apple claiming now? I'm tired of Apple stifling innovation with patent trolling... Also, consider me entered. :-)

kosekjm says:

Sigh. More abuse of a broken patent system. Haven't used anything Apple in some years and with crap like this it'll be even longer. I'd love to swap out my useless HTC amaze for a real phone like the nexus.

neme5i5 says:

This is getting really old. Enough already!

El Nivek says:

This is a sick and twisted way to celebrate the iPhone's fifth birthday today.

greg1007 says:

This nonsense shows exactly how low apple is willing to go. It is not like I hate apple just to hate it. I truly feel that the company that revolutionized personal computers, and created the first true smartphone, is showing it's true, greedy colors in such ridiculous actions, and if they are to gain any respect back from me, they need to fight a powerful competitor with a hugely improved product, instead of running to mommy(US government) complaining about Google, the younger, smarter, stronger,(admittedly more nerdy) and more successful brother being a doody head for expanding upon it's half-baked work that it wasn't going to improve in it's own product any time soon. If i see apple get it right for once, then i will consider giving them my money, but first they need to start fighting fair in this market.

Kemptonite says:

This is absolutely ridiculous!! Here is another prime example of Apple sticking their nose where they shouldn't. Apple is locked in a war with Android, specifically the patents held by Android manufacturers and developers. They are going to try and find anything that Android infringes on and take it to court. Steve Jobs vowed to use anything and everything necessary to destroy Android. Well Apple has continued on doing that with taking companies to court over patents. (Apple vs. Samsung) Listen Apple, stop pestering Android because of all these minuscule patents that they somehow infringe on and get on with it! Your wasting your time and your money over these patent cases that will ultimately lead to your failure and fall and then we'll start celebrating!!!

ksb63 says:

Stinking lawyers screw up everything
Alway cost us money from screwy patent law to. obamacare

terminal33 says:

Obviously Apple views Android as a threat. That's why they're trying to stop the growth. When you're hot, people want to bring you down. Fact. Of. Life.

ZipKicker says:

Apple is scared, you can patent anything you want nowadays

jnmigr says:

Patent system is absolutely ridiculous. . And.

mjmdroid says:

I will still have a good weekend. It is only a phone, not my life. The only thing that will stop me from enjoying my life right now is dead, so let them do what they want , i'm going to enjoy my GalaxyNexus as usual and will stay apple free...
Enjoy your weekend guys...
Oh i even forget that i'm in to win a phone, never won a GIVE AWAY in my old life

BasPilot says:

This very much is getting tiresome. Here and now the idea of something being un reproducible because some one else had the idea first even if the ideas are executed in different ways is meaningless... If you want the truth I invented the cloud back in 1989.. I told my dad about it, and had all the ideas. I didn't program it or anything, but hey, I was 8!!

babowling says:

I have a new slogan for those Apple folks....."iSuck"

dark11bb says:

Apple is being ridiculous with this crap. They are just afraid cause Samsung is catching up in the U.S. Apple is evil, killed our ancestors! Adam and Eve xD

BasPilot says:

This very much is getting tiresome. Here and now the idea of something being un reproducible because some one else had the idea first even if the ideas are executed in different ways is meaningless... If you want the truth I invented the cloud back in 1989.. I told my dad about it, and had all the ideas. I didn't program it or anything, but hey, I was 8!!

dirtysnypa says:

Without all this legal heat from Apple on android phones these lazy phone makers such as Samsung can pull their fingers out and do something innovative...look at the galaxy s3 prime example...it doesn't even look like a iPhone and has some clever features to with it too...minus the s voice old habits die hard...

fguills says:

Can we sue Apple for sueing just about everyone with a phone patent. I need my phone when it released not when the court states!

bugginout711 says:

WTH, why can't we just share technologies and move ahead in the world?

Alex1x says:

Patents are ideas, and ideas belong to all of us. Imagine if the discovery of the following were patented, how far advanced could anything have got?
Discoveries:
Light
Airplane
Car
Oil
Plastic
Fire (rich barbarians lol)
Computer
Shapes (square, circle, triangle etc...)

Google this, Apple that, Microsoft what.
Inventions should come with intentions to better the world not for 1 and win for all.

CrazyRusski says:

This just shows how Apple is scared of Google's ability to innovate better and faster than them, which means sooner or later we will win the war, but not necessarily the current battle. Nuff said!

l00natic71 says:

This is just like Windows desktop or Google desktop have been doing for a while, search the entire computer and/or internet search... innovation!

MeridianSun says:

all that is really happening is lawyers are getting some$$$$$$$ and it's a load of crap! what happened to common sense? now please send me my new phone!

mukul.modi says:

Seriously... Frankly the Apple patent lawyers are just ddoing their job--> screw everyone. What surprised me even more is the fact that some judges out there make these kinda messed up verdicts T_T

eyesparky says:

Thank you Apple for continuing to beat the hell out of your own brand image. Take a step back and see how reasonable Google sounded at IO when talking about your products. Compare it to your tired little tantrums and try to see how getting on with actual innovation might do you more good than acting like a tired, cranky, sleep deprived 2 year old.

stay-down says:

Seems to me like a waste if time and money for all these patent complaints, but its awesome AC would give a Nexus away :-)

beastmANDROID says:

Oh and these patent wars are about as ridiculous as Justin Bieber :-P

brewkelyn says:

It's such nonsense that I don't even pay it any mind anymore. It's such a joke. Thanks for the giveaway!!!

ayrond says:

Apple is acting just like a politician, instead of just trying to be the best, they are always trying to take down the other guy. Such a waste of time and money...

Gnex on the other hand...

zoogaroe says:

Construction site
[virgin islander goofing off watching a game] Rastaman: What are you doing?
Virgin Islander: watching beach volley ball. You have to see this. Look at she!
Rastaman: [laughing] look at she?
Virgin Islander: You never say me or my. It is always I so I guess you are going to say I can't watch the game because I phone does not have flash.[laugh]
Rastaman: Don't rub it in man I galaxy nexus is in the mail from android central. It has the latest version of Android. Impressive widgets, high resolution camera, a huge screen, super fast processor, freedom to customize, swype keyboard, can buy music anywhere at a fraction of the price, fast download and buffering free streaming and it runs flash so I can see she. [laugh]
Inspector: The rotten fruit has nothing on me. My nexus can do everything you would expect from a smartphone. No more paying to jailbreak I phone man with android freedom is priceless. [laugh] Babylon can't hold us in chains so them a try use them brain.
Inspector: How you know so much about android?
Rastaman: I saw the light long time and know that from back in the bible days you can't trust a woman with a Apple.
Inspector: you still haven't answer my .
Rastaman: If your wife is cheating you want to know if there is an app for that.

juanfra18 says:

They are just trying to call the attention. They're like kids, fighting for stupid things when the truth is that apple can't live without google and Samsung and google and samsung can't live without apple. They think they look like bosses doing all this show but they look ridiculous.

Xxdakyddwestxx says:

If I had a nickle everytime apple sued someone for something dumb and got away with it I would have enough to buy everyone a galaxy nexus

juanfra18 says:

They are just trying to call the attention. They're like kids, fighting for stupid things when the truth is that apple can't live without google and Samsung and google and samsung can't live without apple. They think they look like bosses doing all this show but they look ridiculous.

jalb says:

Current patent law is just a way for big companies to generate revenue.

amandeepbrar79 says:

Apple needs a byte in their butt or may be a new section has to be created for the patent wars.

RicharizarD23 says:

This is just hurting everybody in the end. If no one can challenge Apple, then good innovation will cease to occur.

SpookDroid says:

Not much to say after over 1100 comments... we all loath the patent trolling going around and even more so if Apple feels threatened by innovation. I'd be thrilled if I can get a Nexus.

android alchemist says:

They should just stick the patent lawyers in a boat, in the middle of the ocean with spoons for paddles

brule71 says:

Apple seems scared and are just throwing money at it to try and fend off competition... too bad it's not going to work.

rfcunnin says:

Things are getting ridiculous. I've always been a huge Apple fan and as an Engineer I understand you need to protect your IP, but you get the feeling that this is too much. It only piques my interest even more in what else is out there, other than the iPhone.

getitoutme2 says:

This is getting beyond ridiculous. In fact, it had already gotten to that point. I don't know what to call it, now. Apple is starting to look like that crying baby you see, out and about, whose mother doesn't discipline it, is much too big for its stroller, can barely balance its huge head a top its shoulders, and has a sucker covered in lint stuck to its unlaundered shirt.

star4xtian says:

I had the first Google Nexus phone and ever since I appreciated the innovations they brought to the table. The latest Nexus phone clearly shows how Google constantly outdoes itself time and time again. Barring it would just not benefit anyone from moving forward with technology. It is our right to experience an advancing technology as we see fit and not from the perspective of a few.

Edbertin says:

Why don't play a fair sale competition instead fighting on court?
Me as I Android and iOS user, I'm tired to hear this things

Cheers

georgeanderson says:

Apple won't stop until their phone is the only one available. It's getting utterly ridiculous.

But here's my question: HOW CAN A COMPANY WITH $40 BILLION IN THE BANK PROVE THAT THESE "INFRINGEMENTS" ARE CAUSING IRREPARABLE HARM TO THEIR BUSINESS?

Apple, quit being a douche. Not everyone wants to buy your products.

androidsux says:

These legal battles are an obvious reminder that greed never goes away no matter how much money you make.

tmack8001 says:

I only wish that DC will get on top of patent reform ... because this CRAP is making me upset ... and oh BTW Apple ... here look at my Galaxy Nexus (LTE) which is running Jelly Bean ... (oh yea, take that Verizon Wireless)

beelykemyke says:

© Crazy ® ™

thechints says:

This is pure harassment. Stifling innovation in the name of patents and unwarranted legal arguments ain't benefiting no one.

RunzwScissorz says:

Apple obviously has nothing better for their lawyers to do.

jorgevigil says:

the true in all this is that apple is trying to block of every competitor product that can affect it sales and won as the best product on any of the markets they sale ...

ksat says:

Simply put:

F*** You, Apple!!

Wesley1 says:

Judge Koh doesn't know
That Apple patents are hollow
The FCC passes them even though they are generalized or already in use now
The patent war is crazy, why are software patents allowed
Time for Google to bring out the big guns and bury Apple down below

Knighthammer says:

The patent system in the US is completely miss-used and abused. When companies don't get what they want - they sue, rather than work something out. To make maters worse, the same companies try the same tricks in every other country in the world. Its just pathetic.

ksat says:

Simply put:

F*** You, Apple!!

Wakefulpanda says:

It's like a bunch of school children squabbling over toys. How are we supposed to progress as a society when the talking heads are constantly battling each-other over who did what first. It's disgusting.

jesuschrist89 says:

I am going to assume that when this patent was issued, they thought it was just the terms and conditions and didn't read it.