Apple did not submit a full application until 11 months after the iPod was released. Microsoft was able to submit an application to patent some key elements of music players, including song menu software before before Apple. Apple’s patent application was rejected in July because it was too similar to Microsoft’s patent.
Although Apple introduced the iPod in November 2001, it did not file a provisional patent application until July 2002, and a full application was filed only in October that year.
In the meantime, Microsoft submitted an application in May 2002 to patent some key elements of music players, including song menu software.
Apple has signalled it will resist the move. The company could take the case to the patent office’s appeals board.
With up to $10 a machine it looks like Apply really missed out on this one.
Source: The Independent
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