Patently Apple

Apple Wins Patents for Industrial Design, Future 3D Remote & Harnessing Power through Electromagnetic Induction

The US Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of twenty-two newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. In our second report of the day we cover a wide range of granted patents covering everything from industrial design to a futuristic 3D Apple TV remote and even a way that Apple envisions of harnessing power through electromagnetic induction to help extend battery life on iOS devices. It's another fruitful day for Apple granted patents.  

Surprising Win for All-New Apple iWallet Credit System Patent

Today, the US Patent & Trademark Office granted Apple a patent relating to an all-new iWallet Credit System Architecture. It's a surprising patent win for Apple considering that it was an acquired patent from two inventors in Finland and originally published in Great Britain. Apple refilled it in March 2011. The new credit system architecture is a separate wing of Apple's originating iWallet architecture and deals with a subsidization program that works with sponsors and advertisers. If a consumer doesn't chose a subsidized iPhone, then the credits earned for working with advertisers and sponsors could be used to purchase Apple products and/or services. Last week we learned that Research in Motion's BlackBerry will be the first smartphone in Canada to offer consumers a viable mobile wallet system this fall. With that aggressive schedule in play, you have to wonder how far behind Apple's iWallet really is now.  

Mainland China Grants Apple a License to sell the iPad

According to Chinese sources, Apple's new iPad has just been granted a network access license for the Chinese mainland, a step that will pave the way for the iPad to be sold in Mainland very shortly. Update 3:20 PM MST: Clarification: Although the license was granted to Apple this past Monday, a firm date as to when the iPad will actually go on sale in Mainland China has yet to be determined. We aplogize for jumping the gun with a firm date of this coming Monday.

Taiwan Freaks Out Over Apple Considering US Plants

Tim Cook stated during a recent conference held by AllThingsD that he'd like to see more US manufacturing of Apple products. That apparently has rattled some Taiwanese sources and their reaction is captured in a report by DigiTimes this morning.