4 ms·

As mentioned elsewhere, Apple's technology here comes from buying up FingerWorks (and hiring the founders). If FingerWorks had not been able to secure a patent

by GHFigs 17y ago

As mentioned elsewhere, Apple's technology here comes from buying up FingerWorks (and hiring the founders). If FingerWorks had not been able to secure a patent on the technology they developed, Apple (or any other company) could have simply copied what they did instead of acquiring them or developing their own technology, which doesn't do much to promote the Progress of Science. Indeed, FingerWorks probably would never have been founded if it could not have differentiated itself with patented technology.

binspace 17y ago
It's a little more difficult than simply "just copying" the technology. The Fingerworks staff had more expertise on the subject than pretty much anybody in the world. Patents were put in place to discourage trade secrets. In the technology world, trade secrets are not quite as advantageous as they once were. Somebody else could have developed the FW technology, at a certain cost and time spent. It still makes the FW technology valuable. > Indeed, FingerWorks probably would never have been founded if it could not have differentiated itself with patented technology. So by that argument, why do any software companies exist? Last time I checked, I'm getting paid to write software. You're just trying to spread FUD. Nice try.
- GHFigs 17y ago
  So by that argument, why do any software companies exist? I didn't say anything about software companies, but if you insist: just replace "patented technology" with "copyrighted software" and you'll explain most software companies. I can't claim to know every business model, however. Last time I checked, I'm getting paid to write software. Good for you. What prevents your competitors from taking your work and selling it for cheaper? How would you feel if I proposed to take that away? You're just trying to spread FUD. Nice try. Sure, and you're just being an asshole. Please leave.
  - pg 17y ago
    Will you two please stop?

by GHFigs 17y ago

binspace 17y ago

It's a little more difficult than simply "just copying" the technology. The Fingerworks staff had more expertise on the subject than pretty much anybody in the world. Patents were put in place to discourage trade secrets. In the technology world, trade secrets are not quite as advantageous as they once were. Somebody else could have developed the FW technology, at a certain cost and time spent. It still makes the FW technology valuable. > Indeed, FingerWorks probably would never have been founded if it could not have differentiated itself with patented technology. So by that argument, why do any software companies exist? Last time I checked, I'm getting paid to write software. You're just trying to spread FUD. Nice try.

GHFigs 17y ago
So by that argument, why do any software companies exist? I didn't say anything about software companies, but if you insist: just replace "patented technology" with "copyrighted software" and you'll explain most software companies. I can't claim to know every business model, however. Last time I checked, I'm getting paid to write software. Good for you. What prevents your competitors from taking your work and selling it for cheaper? How would you feel if I proposed to take that away? You're just trying to spread FUD. Nice try. Sure, and you're just being an asshole. Please leave.
- pg 17y ago
  Will you two please stop?