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Comment by yalogin | Hacker News Reader

This is just one of Apple's ways to deal with a patent troll. Why are people not seeing this? Everyone hates patents here but as long as they exist these kinds of ridiculous patents will be filed. No need to rail against Apple (or even Steve) here.

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Apple has also demonstrated (many times) that it is willing to use its patent portfolio aggressively, not just defensively.

As trolls do not make any products they are immune to any other parties' patents, you can't keep them from enforcing their patents by holding other patents, and their patents doesn't become less valid by the existence of other patents. On the other hand, these kinds of patents can be useful to stifle uppity competitors like Android.

True. But don't they have a case going on in court right now? I would assume the new patent if granted would help Apple. I might be a little lenient on Apple but from what I see their only issue is with the implementation of multi-touch by their competitors (I could be wrong). I am not sure they care about Android's in-app purchases.

I agree. Also no need to categorically defend Apple just because you happen to be a fan of their products, former CEO etc.

I know Apple, and especially Steve Jobs (RIP) cannot do anything wrong. But seriously, what evidence is there that Apple somehow practices some form of 'Pro Bono' pre-emptive service in filing for patents just for 'the greater good of mankind'?

I'm not following your logic, how does this help them against patent trolls?

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