[OSGeo-Discuss] About "Interactive Map" patent application by Apple Inc.

[Jeff Harrison]

Seems they are trying patent filters based on the context of the map displayed (commuting, weather etc...). 

Then, if one touches a map in two places calculate a route between the points one touches.

Neither of which passes the 'obviousness' test ... in my opinion

Regards,
Jeff 

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 21, 2013, at 6:01 PM, Mateusz Loskot <mateusz at loskot.net> wrote:

> Hi Brent,
> 
> On 21 December 2013 21:55, Brent Wood <pcreso at pcreso.com> wrote:
>> 
>> - they are not patenting the touchscreen as a new patentable innovation,
>> they are patenting the adaptation of a single existing operation to the new
>> technology.
> 
> Yes, I understand and the difference is clear here, during our conversation,
> but the clarity disappears as soon as we switch to the twisted reality
> of patents,
> where lawyer militants are willing to fight even for unreal or hopeless cases.
> 
> My point is, we won't be able to prove X is an extension of existing Y
> and X is not a new unique invention.
> 
> Let's assume patents in mathematics are allowed and Brahmagupta
> obtained one for arithmetic methods; then al-Khwarizmi makes submission
> to patent algebra: a new technology for old subject - numbers.
> Now we have technology to work "with numbers" vs one to work "about
> numbers" [1],
> I bet lawyers would love such case arguing that the latter is not
> a new technology, but adaptation of the former.
> 
> [1] http://profkeithdevlin.org/2011/11/20/what-is-algebra/
> 
> 
> Regardless, perhaps, Apple is realising it is close to collapse ;-)
> as per the theory that
> 
> "(...) continuous cycle of innovation that is necessary in
> order to sustain growth and avoid collapse. The catch, however, to this
> is that you have to innovate faster and faster and faster." [2]
> 
> [2] http://www.ted.com/talks/geoffrey_west_the_surprising_math_of_cities_and_corporations.html
> 
> Best regards,
> -- 
> Mateusz  Łoskot, http://mateusz.loskot.net
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