RIM out to patent BlackBerry slider What do you get if you mesh a dual-orientation handset together with a slide-out keyboard and a tracker ball? Potentially, the next BlackBerry from Research in Motion (RIM), if its latest patent application is anything to go by. RIM Blackberry slider patent RIM to add a slide-out keyboard to the BlackBerry? The patent, …
Given this is a blatant rip of, of the HTC handset WTF they thinking about applying for a patent when http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/02/13/htc_rolls_out_h1_07_lineup/
Kinda shows its not only not new, prior art, but been done many times over. Hell my Psion has a "slid out keyboard" albiet it only slides out a bit, thats not the point.
Bottom line, I'm kinda shocked to see RIM try and patent something that is already being done by others, this is not cricket nor is it sane business sence, but I gave up understanding how a moron ticks about a year ago.
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Paris becasue she has more respect from me than my old boss
If ever there was a graphical demonstration as to the sheer ridiculousness of the US patent system, this is it. I cannot see anything on this which, in any shape or form, is new and merits protection through a patent. Ludicrous - unless of course I've missed something stonkingly unique!
i was going to say the same thing
what makes this design different (and therefore worthy of patent) from the HTC design? the trackball? Does that really require a full patent?
or have HTC not patented their design and so RIM are hoping to retro-sue them for prior infringement on their future IP?
1. The patent is for the complete device, as evidenced by the title, and further by the full application. So unless you've seen a phone WITH slide-out keyboard AND trackball AND dual-orientation screen, then, no there isn't prior art -- and thus if the patent were granted, they wouldn't be able to sue for infringement on parts of the system. Seeing as RIM are the only ones using trackballs at all on their phones (that I know of -- other examples?), and haven't yet used slide-out keyboards, I don't see why the device WHEN CONSIDERED AS A WHOLE is not novel, although I also don't see whom they'd need protection against, either.
2. Yes, Simon, RIM is Canadian, but the patent app was filed by their US legal branch with the US PTO, which is why all the other commentors have their panties in a bunch (but see 3).
3. Finally, this is a patent APPLICATION, not a granted patent. Wait to see what the US PTO do with it before whingeing, please.
...does it undoubtedly require an accelerometer?
yeah, handy on the iPhone because it's the only way for it to tell which way it's pointing, but in this, like other slidey phones, it doesn't need one, just like in other, similar models.
too subtle? the screen flips when you slide it. duh.
paris, because i'd slide her.
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