Apple's patent infringement case against HTC is part of a larger effort to give rival smart phone manufacturers pause as they pursue iPhone-like features in their devices, according to a research note from Oppenheimer analyst Yair Reiner.
Philip Elmer-DeWitt of Brainstorm Tech relates the note, which recounts the way Apple is working behind the scenes to stop what it calls the rip off of its intellectual property. It also suggests that Apple's IP battle could deal a blow to Google's Android operating system and manufacturers relying on it.
According to Reiner, Apple in January began talking directly to other manufacturers expressing displeasure about its iPhone IP being copied. When paired with the HTC lawsuit, Apple's tough stance is sending rival development teams back to the drawing board to find work-arounds.
Apple has talked tough about its iPhone IP but was likely prompted to act by the growing willingness of competitors to incorporate iPhone features including multi-touch. But Reiner said manufacturers are rethinking not just multi-touch but a number of hardware and software features.
Reiner said manufacturers who have pinned their success on Android and its iPhone-like qualities are starting to reconsider their devotion to the platform and may look to Microsoft's Win7 Mobile as an alternative.
Apple's battle with HTC then could have far reaching effects across the mobile market. It could set rival companies back a cycle if they have to come up with serious work-arounds. That gap you saw closing between the iPhone and other devices could widen again. That would be good for Apple but for non-iPhone buying consumers, it could be frustrating if advancements in smart phones slow down.
Credits: sfgate
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