Chinese Company Sues Apple Over Siri 174
judgecorp writes "Shanghai Zhizhen Network Technology is suing Apple in China, claiming Siri infringes its voice technology patent. Zhizhen claims to have 100 million users for its Xiao iRobot software which responds to voice questions and commands. From the article: 'The move came only days after Apple Inc paid $60 million to Proview Technology (Shenzhen) to end a protracted legal dispute over the iPad trademark in China. Zhizhen's patent covers "a type of instant messaging chat robot system", according to the database of the country's State Intellectual Property Office. It was filed on Aug 13, 2004, and got approved on Feb 15, 2006. '"
Re:Huh? (Score:4, Interesting)
Chinese are the correct people for Apple. (Score:1, Interesting)
Re:Apple can't have it both ways (Score:5, Interesting)
Heh, they wished for it, they got it.
US companies are lobbying like demons to have China enforce their "intellectual property" on the assumption that the little yellow devils are too lazy and dumb to ever invent anything of their own.
A billion smart, hungry people and an education system that doesn't pander to the lower common denominator is about to show them how arrogant and short sighted that is.
You want to take them on, patents trolls? They can write three patents to your one, and for a quarter of the price.
I'd rub their noses in it some more, but the sad part is that it just means that everything is going to cost us more, and the only people who will benefit will be Chinese lawyers.
Thank You China (Score:5, Interesting)
You better believe something will be done about software patents, and IP laws in general, when the Chinese start to heavily sue US companies.
I mean, when it's US companies bashing those in other countries, software patents are awesome. When the inverse occurs, they are obviously a hinderance to progress.
Re:Huh? (Score:5, Interesting)
What you have to remember with China is it is not a corporation suing Apple but in effect the government suing Apple.
Companies in China belong to China – You can't trade in China, you trade with China. You can't go to a company wanting to trade, you have to deal with a government official asking you want to trade with China.
Most people who run these large companies rise through local and central governments, many becoming government officials. They have huge influence on all parts of China, think of it like a Masonic society – A magic handshake with the judge, you know the case will be favourable to you winning.
Re:Thank You China (Score:5, Interesting)
Worse that a hinderance. They are an affront to the free world and the democratic way of life.
Which is why when the US was founded they ignored European patents and copied like fucking crazy. It was only when they started having ideas of their own worth protecting they thought different.
Business Model in China - stolen from Apple! (Score:4, Interesting)
China must have stolen Apple's business model!
For example, Apple just patented Google Glass. Before that, Apple patented Googe search. How about the "slide to unlock" or "pinch to shrink" ideas that Apple stole then patented, and sued over?
Mayans Sue Egyptians (Score:3, Interesting)
Honestly, how did the Mayans make pyramids much like Egyptians? Some say Ancient Aliens, but perhaps there is a very real, extremely subtle connection between peoples on different continents?
And we wonder why it's so bad to work with the Chinese? China Venture Is Good for GE but Is It Good for U.S.? [wsj.com]
I remember some big executive saying that "these are our patents. We own them" and I sat listening and said to myself, the Chinese are making it? Say goodbye to your patents; it's theirs now.