Look at the list of Motorola smartphones that Microsoft has dragged out before the International Trade Commission in hopes of blocking future imports, and you can't help but chuckle. Oh, there are a couple of high-enders there -- the Droid X and Droid 2 -- but everything else is an also-ran -- the Charm, Cliq XT, Backflip and Devour. And considering most of them either have gone the way of the dinosaurs or have been replaced by sequels, well, let's just say they won't be missed.
At issue are patents covering functions "essential to the smartphone user experience." We'd argue that there was little on the likes of the Devour or Backflip that was ever essential to any experience (at least not a good one), but that's not quite the point, is it. Chances are Microsoft's looking to set a little precedent with this one.
Set your calendars for Nov. 4, folks, when we'll get some initial findings from the administrative law judge. And start prepping for March 5, 2012, when the investigation is set to conclude. We're on the edge of our seats.
Source: Bloomberg
Reader comments
Microsoft tries to keep Motorola from importing phones it's no longer selling anyway
Way to go Microsoft, that will surely get more of us to buy your phones!
i still have a backflip, but with cm7 its a pretty decent phone now. cant wait for the lg thrill 4g though
This has gotten fucking pathetic...
This just in; Due to declining profits & popularity Microsoft now seeks help from Motorola. Microsoft hopes to strike a deal with Motorola similar to that of HTC's pity fee for every Android handset sold. This would not only ease their suffering in the short term, but allow them to continue leeching of the success of others in the future while simultaneously showing the world what the 3rd or 4th place contender can do.
Here's Steve with the weather....
I hope microsoft and apple get a swift smack from the courts very soon....