3 ms·

It was a gaffe because they stole the design and got a license only after being called out publicly by the Swiss. All the while being involved in huge law suits

• 2muchcoffeeman 14y ago
  Easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission? They're sitting on 120 Billion dollars. 22 million is only 0.183% or that. I have a hard time believing they intentionally made such a hypocritical move to save 22 million dollars.
• ghshephard 14y ago
  Apple is extraordinarily sophisticated when it comes to IP issues. Any artwork or homages that they've placed in their product are either (A) Cleared for coverage or (B) Have some path to such. Anything you see in IOS is akin to a song that would hear in a movie or a TV Show - hundreds of hours, if not thousands, have gone into ensuring the legality/coverage of all of the major elements that you see there. Don't for a second believe that Apple didn't already have a negotiating position, and value, and best-negotiable-alternative (BNA) identified prior to placing that swiss clock into IOS. This isn't their first, second, or even hundredth time at this particular rodeo. The games that HTC/Google/Motorola/Apple/Samsung are also, all playing out according to a well known IP strategy. Each of the parties is acquiring IP, establishing their patent positions/strength, going to court where needed, and engaging in settlements likewise. At the level which these companies play - their is no "Steal", simply a stronger (or weaker) game theoretic negotiating position which plays out... Anybody how has legal bills in excess of $100 million a year has left the realm of good/bad, and moved into win/lose/profit/loss.