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Apple settles online music download case

4 August 2004 14:46 by Petteri "dRD" Pyyny | 5 comments

E-Data announced today that Apple has settled a patent lawsuit E-Data had filed against Apple's iTunes Music Store service. E-Data's patent can be considered one of "those whacky ones", as it covers such "limited" process as "downloading and recording of information, such as music, onto a tangible object, such as CDs, DVDs and MP3 players."

E-Data's patent expired in the United States already in January, 2003 -- three months before Apple launched its online music service, but the patent is still valid in Europe and iTunes launched its service in Europe in June, 2004. Earlier this year, Microsoft settled with E-Data to avoid court case against its European music download services.

E-Data also announced that it has sued yet another 14 companies for violating its patent. Companies include The New York Times Company, Hallmark Cards and Ticketmaster.

The details of the settlement were not announced.

Source: MacObserver

Permalink to this article

iTunes store to launch in Canada (26 November 2004)

Apple may face massive settlement payout (13 September 2004)

Microsoft targeting emerging market for music downloads on handsets (13 September 2004)

Japanese labels skeptical of iTunes (8 September 2004)

Sony were offered iTunes deal by Apple (3 September 2004)

Apple launches iTunes affiliate program (1 September 2004)

Music downloads in UK rise up 200% since June (23 August 2004)

Virgin files a complaint against Apple (5 August 2004)

Microsoft Europe settled a music download lawsuit (20 January 2004)

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Discuss this article!
Ketola (Admin) 4 August 2004 14:57
I wonder if it's too late to patent "an aparatus shaped to minimize roll friction". There might still be some applications for that invention. [ + quote]
MoonJihad (Newbie) 5 August 2004 0:43
Probably, as a "circular transportation facilitation device" has already been patented in Australia(http://www.ipmenu.com/archive/AUI_2001100012.pdf scroll to the second page). [ + quote]
strcruzer (Junior Member) 5 August 2004 8:10
That is unbelievable, this guy got a patent for a Standard Bicycle wheel and bearing?!!? So this guy is going to sue every bike maker and automobile manufacturer now eh? I can't believe that the patent office allowed this to be filed! [ + quote]
MoonJihad (Newbie) 5 August 2004 14:21
This was a protest against the new regulation that allowed a new class of patents which were not checked. Companies in Australia complained about the cost of getting a patent and this was the government's idea to lower the cost of getting a patent: make a cheaper patent class and cut costs by not verifying them. [ + quote]
Mick69 (Inactive) 5 August 2004 17:06
lol what a champion, that kind of thing makes me proud to be australian =D [ + quote]