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Motorola Doesn't Infringe Apple Patents: ITC Judge

Judge Sides Against Apple In Smartphone Dispute
Reuters
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(Reuters) - Motorola Mobility Inc did not violate Apple's patented technology in making its Droid, Cliq, BackFlip and other smartphones, a judge at the U.S. International Trade Commission said in a preliminary decision issued on Friday.

The full ITC will issue a final decision in March.

Apple had filed a complaint with the ITC in October of 2010, accusing Motorola Mobility of infringing three Apple patents to make its smartphones.

Two of the patents have to do with how the devices accept manual input when users type or handwrite on them while the third relates to ways for consumers to add applications without jumping through hoops like rebooting the smartphone.

The complaint, like many patent battles focusing on smartphones, is part of a larger fight between Apple and Google Inc's fast-growing Android operating system, which Motorola uses.

The ITC is a popular venue for patent disputes because it can order devices made with infringing technology barred from importation.

Google has reached an agreement to buy Motorola Mobility, and is seeking the antitrust approval needed to close the sale.

(Reporting By Diane Bartz; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)

Check out the slideshow (below) to see some of the coolest patents Google ever filed.

9 Coolest Apple Patents(CLONED)
'Pouring' File Transfer(01 of09)
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The HP TouchPad's "touch to share" feature has nothing on this futuristic Apple patent, which illustrates Apple devices emmulating natural, real-world gestures. In the illustrated example above, an iPhone is tilted over an iPad in order to share files, the way you would do if you were "pouring" the data from one device into the other.Filed: 2010Source: Patently Apple (credit:Patently Apple)
Head-Mounted Display(02 of09)
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Back in 2006, Apple filed a patent for a laser-based binocular display unit, which could attach to glasses, helmets, or goggles. In theory, users could plug the device into their iPod and watch videos via the head-mounted apparatus instead of on the tiny iPod display. This wearable system would also let the user remain mobile while enjoying media entertainment. Filed: 2006Source: Patently Apple (credit:Patently Apple)
Double-Sided iPhone(03 of09)
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This filing makes us wonder what it would be like to have an iPhone with separate displays on its front and back. If each display operated independently, then users could control navigation (or a table of contents) on one side while reading or watching video on the other. Filed: 2010Source: Patently Apple (credit:Patently Apple)
3D Holographic Projector(04 of09)
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Many technology companies are betting that 3D is the next big thing, and fortunately for Apple, it already has a few patents to its name. One such example is a desktop display system that projects a 3D hologram, rather than projecting a 2D image onto a flat screen.Filed: 2006Source: Patently Apple (credit:Patently Apple)
Solar-Powered MacBooks(05 of09)
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Using a reflector that captures light externally, future MacBook owners could enjoy using their laptops outside while harnessing the sun's natural energy to power the device. Apple's patent states that a "translucent surface may also serve to protect the rear face of the display screen from damage".Filed: 2008Source: Patently Apple (credit:Patently Apple)
Inductive Chargers(06 of09)
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In one iteration of the system, users wrap earphone cables around a charging tower and place a conductive metal mesh on their device in order to power-up.Filed: 2010Source: Patently Apple (credit:Patently Apple)
Shape-Shifting iPods(07 of09)
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Picture this: an iPod Classic whose touch wheel can morph into a television remote keypad. Currently, input devices use a specific set of operations (such as buttons, keys, touch screens) to command a computer; but, a shape shifting configuration that can physically change interface topography could be a complete game-changer in consumer electronics.Filed: 2009Source: Patently Apple (credit:Patently Apple)
Liquidmetal Battery Power(08 of09)
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This patent would let Apple use liquidmetal, or "amorphous alloy" collector plates for internal component fuel cells. According to Cult of Mac, this technology "could power mobile phones for more than 30 days without recharging and notebooks for 20 hours or more."Filed: 2004Source: Cult of Mac (credit:AP)
3D Gestures(09 of09)
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3D gesturing allows users to rotate objects on the touch screen, gain different perspectives, control color and texture, and more. This technology could be a breakthrough in computer-aided design applications and games. Filed: 2010Source: Patently Apple (credit:Patently Apple)

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