Hong Kong Firm Wants 12 Percent of Apple’s ITMS Profits

They claim to hold a patent that “governs the verification of a single user before permitting the user to download tracks” according to CNet’s report. In other words, they’ve “patented” authentication via username and password for music downloads. CNet’s report also claims the company wants 12 percent of iTunes and iPod sales, but I fail to see how this patent applies to the iPod. I mean, why not sue for 12 percent of Mac sales, too, if they’re going to claim profits from any device that can play the tracks purchased via a method that infringes on their so-called patent?

★ Monday, 7 March 2005