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Lodsys Responds to Apple, Files Lawsuits Against App Developers

macrumors.com

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Re: Lodsys Responds to Apple, Files Lawsuits Against App Developers

#11

Post by Edog »

zdw wrote: post #6

Source post here: http://www.lodsys.com/1/post/2011/05/-responsibility-and-acc... Betting $1000/dev that they're right is definitely gutsy.

Of course, they just making an offer, and, like any gift, they are under no obligation to make good on it.

If they refused to honor the offer in the event that they lose, they would not likely be worried about their reputation.

Re: Lodsys Responds to Apple, Files Lawsuits Against App Developers

#13

Post by kefs »

benologist wrote: post #5
jdq wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm not sure exactly what you are implying about feeling since Apple is very polarizing (happy iOS devs are getting sued?), but if you take a step back you'll see that this isn't just an Apple problem. The lawsuits will come to Android app devs next, and probably most other mobile platforms with in-app purchases.

Lodsys is already targeting Android developers too. http://www.macrumors.com/2011/05/27/lodsys-also-targeting-an...

I've been curious to see if/how this will affect my proof-of-concept Android app Click It/Click It Gold. I built it within 3 days specifically to test the in-app billing api just after their debut... No word from Lodsys, yet.

http://www.kefsco.com/clickit.html

Re: Lodsys Responds to Apple, Files Lawsuits Against App Developers

#15

Post by cheald »

orangecat wrote: post #4
jdq wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm not sure exactly what you are implying about feeling since Apple is very polarizing (happy iOS devs are getting sued?), but if you take a step back you'll see that this isn't just an Apple problem. The lawsuits will come to Android app devs next, and probably most other mobile platforms with in-app purchases.

Apple is doing the right thing. It's Lodsys that needs to be crushed, preferably legally.

Though a large rock from space inconveniently landing on their offices in a more literal manner would work, too.

Re: Lodsys Responds to Apple, Files Lawsuits Against App Developers

#17

Post by brudgers »

smackfu wrote: post #14

It was pretty silly to think Lodsys, which is solely a patent-holding company, would back down just because they got a letter from Apple's lawyers. Lodsys has lawyers too.

I don't think Apple expected Lodsys to back down - they were in negotiations with them afterall [according to Apple's letter]. The letter was intended to encourage developers to continue to develop for Apple's platform. If they had been serious about stopping Lodsys, Apple would have been in court seeking an injunction. However, the downside would have been Apple potentially setting a precedent that established greater obligations toward developers than currently exist - and that has such severe downsides to their business model that they won't do it.

Re: Lodsys Responds to Apple, Files Lawsuits Against App Developers

#18

Post by anderzole »

st3fan wrote: post #16

So what exactly is this patent covering? I've heard several things .. the 'Upgrade to Pro Version' buttons, the 'Would you like to rate this app' dialog, and some other things. Does anyone actually know what it exactly is that they are after?

in-app purchases, no?

Re: Lodsys Responds to Apple, Files Lawsuits Against App Developers

#19

Post by GHFigs »

zdw wrote: post #6

Source post here: http://www.lodsys.com/1/post/2011/05/-responsibility-and-acc... Betting $1000/dev that they're right is definitely gutsy.

IANAL, but I suspect it would still cost the targeted developers more than $1000 worth of lawyering to fend of Lodsys in the meantime. Expecting to collect on that requires you to believe that either a) Lodsys won't make good on their threat to sue, or b) that Apple will somehow both intervene and win before they do. It's still going to be easier and cheaper to just give them the money.

Re: Lodsys Responds to Apple, Files Lawsuits Against App Developers

#20

Post by shareme »

Given that they bought 'future' license rights to a patent and not previous entered into patent license rights.. what other laws factor into the case?

I do not think RICO applies here just yet. Certainly filing untrue claims against a party that will not be a party to any patent claim is not too bright as a business model.

In any case both Apple, Google, MS, etc would be the ones acting on legal cases to remove or keep an app in the market not the individual developer. I AM NOT A LAWYER.. however would it be wise to see whether Apple, Google, MS, etc fight this at the DCMA/case level of when a court tries to request a take down?

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