Apple, Inc. is going after Android more aggressively than previously thought. The process that led to Apple's filing of a patent lawsuit against HTC has taken some time, and has apparently shaken HTC's faith in Google.
According to CNNMoney, Oppenheimer's Yair Reiner issued a behind-the-scenes report about the issue on Tuesday.
"Starting in January, Apple launched a series of C-Level discussions with tier-1 handset makers to underscore its growing displeasure at seeing its iPhone-related IP [intellectual property] infringed. The lawsuit filed against HTC thus appears to be Apple's way of putting a public, lawyered-up exclamation point on a series of blunt conversations that have been occurring behind closed doors.
"Our checks also suggest that these warning shots are meaningfully disrupting the development roadmaps for would-be iPhone killers. Rival software and hardware teams are going back to the drawing board to look for work-arounds. Lawyers are redoubling efforts to gauge potential defensive and offensive responses. And strategy teams are working to chart OS strategies that are better hedged."
This whole process began back in January 2009 when Steve Jobs was out on medical leave. Apple COO Tim Cook warned other companies about using Apple's patented multitouch technology. That warning apparently had some impact as Samsung and Nokia stayed clear of multitouch, and although Palm used the technology in their Palm Pre, they were not deemed as a strategic threat to Apple.
When the Motorola Droid and HTC Eris came out, it was apparently too much for Apple to swallow. They have filed a lawsuit against HTC and according to CNNMoney, it is having some immediate impact. HTC may be losing faith in Android and running to Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 Series.
Reiner says, "Microsoft has been quick to sniff out this burgeoning opportunity and has begun to aggressively promote the strength of its own IP portfolio, as well as its willingness to join battle with customers that come under IP attack."
Check out the Full Story for more info on this high tech soap opera.
According to CNNMoney, Oppenheimer's Yair Reiner issued a behind-the-scenes report about the issue on Tuesday.
"Starting in January, Apple launched a series of C-Level discussions with tier-1 handset makers to underscore its growing displeasure at seeing its iPhone-related IP [intellectual property] infringed. The lawsuit filed against HTC thus appears to be Apple's way of putting a public, lawyered-up exclamation point on a series of blunt conversations that have been occurring behind closed doors.
"Our checks also suggest that these warning shots are meaningfully disrupting the development roadmaps for would-be iPhone killers. Rival software and hardware teams are going back to the drawing board to look for work-arounds. Lawyers are redoubling efforts to gauge potential defensive and offensive responses. And strategy teams are working to chart OS strategies that are better hedged."
This whole process began back in January 2009 when Steve Jobs was out on medical leave. Apple COO Tim Cook warned other companies about using Apple's patented multitouch technology. That warning apparently had some impact as Samsung and Nokia stayed clear of multitouch, and although Palm used the technology in their Palm Pre, they were not deemed as a strategic threat to Apple.
When the Motorola Droid and HTC Eris came out, it was apparently too much for Apple to swallow. They have filed a lawsuit against HTC and according to CNNMoney, it is having some immediate impact. HTC may be losing faith in Android and running to Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 Series.
Reiner says, "Microsoft has been quick to sniff out this burgeoning opportunity and has begun to aggressively promote the strength of its own IP portfolio, as well as its willingness to join battle with customers that come under IP attack."
Check out the Full Story for more info on this high tech soap opera.
