News - Apple suspected of providing flawed evidence in tablet case

[HEXUS]

An investigation by a Dutch website suggests an image may have been altered.

Read more.

[Spud1]

Indeed that image clearly shows a big difference in the size of the two - but that image is a promotional one originally put out by Samsung, and Apple have a fair case to say that if they are advertising it as being the same as the iPad then that image is useful in their case.

They did of course submit many many more photos and pieces of evidence with their case - most of which were real world photographs rather than marketing photos..

I'd be shocked if it were actually Apple that doctored the image (if it is indeed doctored and not just a prototype device), as its a bit of a pointless thing to do..in a case like this it would be noticed...

[3dcandy]

Although I agree with Spud1's comment, I do believe that the more significant thing in this whole case is that Apple appear to be running scared. Samsung currently appear to be their closest competitors, but I wholly believe that the tablet "fad" is already waning, a bit like netbooks appear to be going out of fashion. 90% of the people I know who have tablets don't use them much...

[Mossy]

The whole case is underhand it would not surprise me if the pictures have been doctored to make the ipad look like the Samsung

[Smudger]

Am I the only one to think that the original sketch drawings don't actually look like an iPad2?

[dangel]

Am I the only one to think that the original sketch drawings don't actually look like an iPad2?

Nope, and that's deliberate - it widens your claim. Samsung would probably of done the same - whether they'd also of altered evidence is another matter..

[crossy]

Am I the only one to think that the original sketch drawings don't actually look like an iPad2?

I'd disagree - the design grant does look like an iPad, but it also looks like a Galaxy Tab, Motorola (or should that be Google?) Xoom and a galaxy (no pun intended) of other devices. IMHO, the drawing was so generic it's like drawing a stick figure and then complaining that the majority of people in the world look like your drawing.
Maybe I'm being naive, but I think this photoshopping was probably just an honest mistake - more so because the penalty for deliberately misleading a court would surely be quite high, not to say anything of the damage caused to Apple's reputation and the other court cases they've got going.
It'd be nice if Apple did get scared off though, drop this daft case, and get back to competing on a technical/price point rather than legal strongarming.

but I wholly believe that the tablet "fad" is already waning, a bit like netbooks appear to be going out of fashion. 90% of the people I know who have tablets don't use them much...

Hmm, I'm not sure I agree 100% - sure there's a lot of fashion-led folks who queued up to bought them, who've now stuffed them on eBay. On the other hand, there's bound to be a hard-core of folks who find them useful. I got a tablet (not an iPad btw) to replace a netbook, and I use it about an hour or two at least every day. My daughter just got given a netbook to replace a laptop - she wanted a smaller device - easier to store. Presumably your assumption is that folks with netbooks went to tablets, and the tabletista's are now going back to laptops? (Not poking fun or anything like that - merely interested in your line of reasoning).

[cjs150]

Looking at the Apple design right application I am not sure it is possible to design a tablet pc that does not infringe

Screen is rectangular - when was the last time you saw a screen that was not
Has a bezel - again when was last time you saw any computer screen without a bezel

Of course with proper USB2 and 3 support you have much better connectivity than an IPad

[kaelthun]

Looking at the Apple design right application I am not sure it is possible to design a tablet pc that does not infringe

Screen is rectangular - when was the last time you saw a screen that was not
Has a bezel - again when was last time you saw any computer screen without a bezel

Of course with proper USB2 and 3 support you have much better connectivity than an IPad

I agree muchly, but then these are problems with the patent system in itself. Generalized, inspecific and downright vague descriptions of non-existent or grouped ideas rather than implementations as a market device to offer a return on investment 'grace period'? Sounds like a bad idea, Bob. Which might be the reason why the EU doesn't accept the US patent system. Too bad it still follows in step quite a bit. I heard rumours that the Galaxy Tab would still be available in the Netherlands. Any confirmation on that?

Either way, you're completely right - the whole premise of a tablet leads to fairly homogenized and 'generic' look. You're effectively selling a portable flatscreen monitor without a stand - the only difference is going to be branding and features invisible until it's used.

[CWH]

Whats worse, this isn't a patent problem, Apple was allowed to file a Registered Design for a generic tablet shape. That's supposed to be for things like the Coke bottle, not something like this.
Also, in the pictures supposedly presented to the court, it looks like Samsung's badge has been deleted as well as it's proportions being altered.

[Scott B]

Looks like the injunction against the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has been temporarily lifted in most countries: http://fosspatents.blogspot.com/2011...ended-for.html

[HalloweenJack]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14548895

The ban on the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 across Europe has been temporarily lifted while a court looks at whether the original ruling was appropriate.

[HalloweenJack]

[miniyazz]

Lol Apple Fail

[andrewtorr]

if apple had there way there would be no phone with apps on, touchscreens, music players etc and we would all be stuck with snake and space impact on oldskl nokias if you didnt have a iphone

[aidanjt]

If Apple had their way, you'd be deep down a mineral shaft with a chain around your neck, digging out wealth for their shareholders to roll around in.