Judge Walker adds to drama of Apple suit

Article Abstract:

San Francisco Judge Vaughn Walker's unpredictable attitudes and unique outlook are lending color to Apple Computer Inc's copyright infringement suit against Microsoft Corp. Apple is suing Microsoft over the 'look and feel' of the Microsoft Windows graphical user interface, which Apple claims derives from the Macintosh interface. Traditional copyright laws and protection for intellectual property deal with works of art rather than software, and this places judges like Walker in the position of creating policy in the court room. Walker has a reputation for innovation in his decisions, relying on his own research and reviews of cases rather than the cases placed before him. Walker has suggested that a basis for deciding Apple's case might lie in how much financial investment was made in the idea, an opinion that has raised many questions among the attorneys in the case. The trial is tentatively set for Jun or Jul 1992.

Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Computers, peripherals & software, Judges, Intellectual property, Programming

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Xerox sues Apple for $150 million over Macintosh command system; Apple used Xerox's ideas: simple misappropriation or legal appropriation?

Article Abstract:

Xerox Corp will sue Apple for $150 million, claiming that Apple misappropriated copyright Xerox software and used it to create the immensely popular graphical user interface on the Macintosh microcomputer. Apple is suing Microsoft Corp and HP, claiming they stole the software from Apple. The latter suit is considered a bit of hubris, because the Xerox software is an acknowledged source of Apple's product. Although the software is a source for Apple's user-friendly interface, Xerox will not automatically win its suit: Xerox has waited several years to file its claim, and Apple may be able to prove that Xerox has lost its claim on the software. Xerox also claims that Apple has received more than $100 million in royalties, license fees and other benefits that should rightfully go to Xerox, in addition to $50 million in damages.

Xerox Corp., XRX, Laws, regulations and rules, Computer graphics, Icons, Apple Macintosh (680X0-based system)

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Apple gets boost in copyright suit

Article Abstract:

Apple Computer Inc gets a boost in its copyright infringement case against Hewlett Packard Co and Microsoft Corp after a federal judge rejects motions made by the defendants. Apple is suing over the copyright of its graphical user interface, which is the one that makes the Apple Macintosh microcomputer so easy to use and so popular. The judgment does not say that Apple's claims on the copyright were valid but does undercut the defendants' arguments. Industry observers note that both Hewlett Packard and Microsoft might have some legal maneuvering up their sleeve. Officials at Apple call the ruling a partial victory; Apple is now preparing to go to trial on the suit.

Computer software industry, Computer industry, Software industry, Hewlett-Packard Co., HWP, column, Lawsuits

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