Creative Wins MP3 Player Patent

[James Fee]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4198360.stm' target='_blank'>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4198360.stm</a><br /><br /></div>"One of Apple's main rivals, Creative Technology, has been awarded a patent for the interface used on many digital music players. <br />Creative said the patent applied to its players, as well as some competing products such as the Apple's iPod and iPod mini. The patent covers how files on a music player are organized. Creative was one of the first companies to produce MP3 players but has lost out to Apple which dominates the market."<br /><br />Sigh, I guess it is cheaper to patent technology than actually build and market a device people will actually want to buy. Stick a fork into Creative as I'm sure they'll go the SCO way and start suing everyone for royalties rather than invest in their product line.

[jmulder]

Frankly, it's one thing to pursue technology patents, but this is a patent on a frigging filing system. Displaying Artist, Album, and then Track IS NOT TECHNOLOGY.

When I was in college (1988-1993), I used the same method to organize my music database in Paradox 3.5. Does this mean I have prior art?

Give me a break.

[James Fee]

When I was in college (1988-1993), I used the same method to organize my music database in Paradox 3.5. Does this mean I have prior art?Sounds like you do. :drinking:

Good to see someone else remembers Paradox. ;)

[Jason Dunn]

Frankly, it's one thing to pursue technology patents, but this is a patent on a frigging filing system. Displaying Artist, Album, and then Track IS NOT TECHNOLOGY.

Yeah, patenting a method of organization is the same as trying to patent a way of thinking. It's pretty crazy that the patent office would award something like this. 8O