Sunday, December 28th 2008
Cygnus Systems Sues Google, Microsoft and Apple Over Preview Icons
It appears that Networking company Cygnus Systems has found the best Christmas present for Google, Microsoft, and Apple. Miracles happen, and Cygnus is now suing the three companies for violating its patent (US 7,346,850) on the use of document-preview icons or thumbnails as we know them in operating systems. Matt McAndrews, representative of Cygnus, said: "They were a logical starting place for us." He also added: "We've identified many other potentially infringing products that we're investigating."
In the suit, Cygnus Systems targets Google's Chrome, Microsoft's Vista and Internet Explorer 8, and Apple's iPhone, Safari, and Mac OS X as patent infringers. The case was filed in U.S. District Court in Arizona. The company is looking for compensation and a court injunction preventing further infringement of their patent. Responses from Google, Microsoft and Apple are still expected.
Source:
CNET News
In the suit, Cygnus Systems targets Google's Chrome, Microsoft's Vista and Internet Explorer 8, and Apple's iPhone, Safari, and Mac OS X as patent infringers. The case was filed in U.S. District Court in Arizona. The company is looking for compensation and a court injunction preventing further infringement of their patent. Responses from Google, Microsoft and Apple are still expected.
32 Comments on Cygnus Systems Sues Google, Microsoft and Apple Over Preview Icons
One can say that those that patent intellectual ideas are the scum of humanity. The ones that dont share, just live off the poor mans back. Then one could also say, ' Shut up or ill sue you '.
If somebody sued me, I'd sue back for mental anguish. :D
Also make it so that COMPANIES have trademarks/patents, and not individuals. That way someone else can always buy the idea back if they buy out the company.
this is not a frivolous lawsuit, they have a very substantial case and the only reason i see that it took them this long to file is the gathering of evidence.
EDIT: the fact that they are suing for a "court injunction preventing further infringement of their patent" should tell you all that this is not a frivolous suit...