Apple Wins $1 Billion Patent Case
Out of context: Reply #65
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Here's an example to ponder, in regards to Apple's ability to perfect other products (not in real reference to the Samsung case). But in the credit Apple unfairly receives for their consumer goods.
The assembly line, is almost always accredited to Henry Ford. Father of manufacturing innovation. I was taught this in school. However the assembly line was ACTUALLY created by Ransom Olds (Oldsmobile) 12 years (1901) before the Model T was mass produced (1913). Olds even had the patent.
Ford just made if better, more efficient. Basically what Apple does with other people's work and inventions. Is it fair that Apple gets so much credit for their work? That ignorant people assume so much of what Apple pushes out was created by them? Is it fair that we get taught Henry Ford invented the assembly line?
My point is, with so much of other people's/companies work behind their products, is it fair that they get to say "stop" on how innovations (and copies) flow? If more people did that further up the line, Apple wouldn't have many of their innovations. Do I think Apple is groundless, not at all. I think they have over extended their reach, however, and I think that people are so willing to extend that credit by their reputation only, than by fact and history. An example to that is that they could patent slide to unlock, when Palm had much prior art in that field. A patent that should never have been issued.
One last thought... Olds did not sue Ford, however, Ford, having gained further patents for assembly considered action against competitors... however:
"Ford at one point considered suing other car companies because they used the assembly line in their production, but decided against, realizing it was essential to creation and expansion of the industry as a whole"