The one thing Apple really excels at is innovation in design, and they know it. So, three years ago they sought to patent both the Slide to Unlock feature of the Lock screen and the letters that pop-up when you're typing on the iPhone's keyboard.
Today, those patents were finally granted. Titled "Animated graphical user interface for a display screen of portion thereof," the patent covers both features Apple sought to protect. Most smartphone manufacturers have avoided elements like these, but now Apple can officially ask for license fees from copycats.
We love our iPhones, and this patent covers some pretty key design elements, so congratulations, Apple. Check out the two patents here:
D621849
D621848
So, what do you think? Is this starting to curb design ingenuity? Let us know in the comments!
Via TUAW
Follow this article's author, Ambika Subramony, on Twitter.
Stevetownsend
August 18, 2010 at 6:38pm
My Verizon Motorola "krazer" has a slide to unlock 'feature' which drives me nuts. I hope they'll have to drop it. It was the inspiration for the three times I have thrown it against a wall. Not all touchscreens are created equal.
