If you ever wanted proof that powerful tech companies can admit defeat and learn to compromise, then you should look to the recent negotiations between Apple and Swiss company SBB. Apple has agreed to license a clock design, after hearing its own time ticker in iOS 6 was a little too similar to one designed by the railway company over 60 years ago.
SBB politely pointed out that the time teller in Apple's latest operating system looks quite a lot like its own iconic one designed in 1944. The company has now punted out a press release saying Apple has agreed to pay for the right to use the design -- although the exact terms of the agreement will remain confidential.
The station clock was designed by SBB employee Hans Hilfiker. More than 60 years later, it's still used in stations throughout the railway service, and is licensed to Mondaine, a Swiss watch maker. For Apple to use it without agreeing terms was a bit cheeky.
"For the use of the clockface on certain Apple devices such as iPads and iPhones, the parties have negotiated an arrangement that enables Apple to use the SBB station clock under a licence agreement," reads the press release. "The parties have agreed that the amount of the licensing fee and any further details of the licensing arrangement will remain confidential."
Apparently the clock's red second hand is in the shape of a railway guard's signalling disc, which I didn't previously know.
Apple comes down like a ton of iPads on anyone infringing its own patents, so it's nice to see it work the other way for once. And while the stakes were a lot lower, Apple has worked it out in a far more civilised manner than its billion dollar court case with Samsung. It's now after another $700 million from the Korean company, and is trying to ban some of its products from sale in the process.
Do you think Apple is too litigious? Or is it just protecting its designs? Let me know in the comments, or on Facebook.
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Comments 6
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anonymous 13 October, 2012 15:17
Haha apple getting a taste of what there dishing out.
Ruffus Stone 13 October, 2012 16:12
If somebody has "politely pointed out" to Apple, that their clock face is a unique design belonging to them and Apple has responded by agreeing to pay for the right to use it, what's the story in that?
This sort of thing happens all the time and Apple like loads of companies, will either remove or replace the item in question, or agree a fee for its use.
It's an entirely different thing to companies blatantly copying or stealing IP or patented items.
.
anonymous 13 October, 2012 16:42
Judge Lucy Koh "abused her discretion" according to a recent US court in reference to a ban imposed on the Galaxy Nexus. I for one believe her judgements are not worth the paper they are written on.
Apple have freely admitted in the past to stealing ideas. They got burnt with the iPod and now they are a protectionist company abusing the patent system to control the market.
I'm guessing the clock was just an oversight from the design department after they Google searched images of simple clocks.
Loadit 13 October, 2012 16:58
What Apple steal ideas. The very thought.
They invented the square and round shapes as you well know, so they are suing everyone whose products are square or round
anonymous 13 October, 2012 17:13
Now eat that in your grave Steve !
anonymous 13 October, 2012 17:14
a lawsuit a day keeps apple away !