Apple granted multi-touch patent for iPhone

Apple has been awarded a key iPhone patent this week . The 358-page document was submitted in September 2007 and lists Steve Jobs as one of its inventors.   Apple already holds a metric ton of patents for its many and varied technologies, so why should this one stand out? Along with describing various aspects of the iPhone’s physical design, gesture and pinch detection and the on-board software, Apple has scored the rights to a number of important multi-touch user interface designs.   This could have far reaching consequences for rival smartphone manufacturers who have or are planning to mimic the iPhone’s superb touchscreen interface.   Acting CEO, Tim Cook, has previously made it clear that Apple won’t be putting up with any funny business . “We will not stand for having our IP ripped off, and we’ll use whatever weapons that we have at our disposal,” he said. “I don’t know that I can be clearer than that.”    ... (link)