Quote:
Originally Posted by fjtorres
What I find interesting is that Apple not only patented functional aspects of the hardware and the software (common) via utility patents, but they also patented the appearance of their devices via design patents (not common, possibly a stretch to apply it to electronics).
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Apple may or not have innovated in designing the iPxxx line but it looks like they are innovating in the IP protection field:
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Hey, in that case it looks like Samsung are copying them there too
http://www.samsung.com/uk/images/abo...012_Patent.pdf
Quote:
Strengthening the Design Patent
In light of the trend shown by the industry of competitiveness shifting
from hardware to software and contents, Samsung Electronics has begun paying more attention to designs that enable us to realize contents
in a more efficient way. Likewise, in the field of patents, the technologydriven patent management strategy of the past has expanded to
include design, design rights, and user experience (UX). Hence, we
endeavor to reinforce our design patent competitiveness as well.
We place emphasis on the unique and soft design that enables the
maximization of the user experience to enhance the feel of comfort, familiarity, and convenience in product development. This unique design
approach by Samsung Electronics has, naturally, led to the obtaining of
the design patents. In order for us to strengthen our design patents, we
realized, recruiting talent is a must. We secure talented people in the
design field through special recruitment and are considering pursuing
a plan to empower the design center, next-generation design institutes
and other research institutes related to design matters in their role and
independence.
As a result of these efforts, for the past five years, 2,499 design patents
by Samsung Electronics have been registered in the US Patent Office.
This figure is approximately three times higher than our competitor’s,
and this is one of our major achievements. We invested heavily in
product design and established design institutes in seven countries
including Korea.
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