[krschultz]

The letter itself doesn't do much for the legal defense of app developers vs Lodsys, it is only Apple's opinion and Apple wasn't the one being threatened, but it does show that Apple plans on throwing its weight around to defend the app makers. And that is all we really need, becuase I sincerly doubt Lodsys really wants a full on legal battle with one of the most cash rich companies in the world.

[tptacek]

It's a cease and desist letter. It implies that if Lodsys continues trying to enforce patents Apple has licensed, Apple will sue them.

[dhimes]

What I find interesting about this is that there is nothing in the Apple letter that Lodsys would not have anticipated while deciding whether to make claims against the developers. Do they have a response ready? Or were they, in fact, simply trolling, and are suprised that Apple got involved?

What had me annoyed now has me interested.

[checker]

They probably just figured it was worth a shot to get some money, ethics be damned.

[Tyrannosaurs]

I think you're right that they're likely anticipating this.

Legal cases are like chess - a series of small moves rather than one big bang and it's done.

Lodsys will undoubtedly have hoped that Apple wouldn't involve itself but it would seem unlikely they're going to be put off by a single letter. The very earliest I'd expect them to drop it would be the point at which they got a court summons from Apple or the point at which a settlement was reached (still I'm guessing the most likely outcome).

The next move will likely be an open letter from Lodsys disputing Apple's view and reasserting their claim which will put the ball back in Apple's court but I'd also guess that alongside the public discussions there will likely be private ones going on to which we'll obviously not be privy.

[ryanisinallofus]

I think they honestly thought they had a shot, and went for it. Their documentation displayed a stunningly nieve but logical interpretation of their patents and it was a low-risk move to approach a number of developers to gauge reaction.

Though nieve the documentation did seem sincere.

[ryanisinallofus]

Agreed. I'm not a usual Apple apologist but this letter was the right thing to do.

App developers can breath easy and know that this non-technical understanding regarding their patents and the use of a fully licensed API is being incorrectly interpreted by Lodsys.

Apple certainly can claim PR victory. They are always so cool under pressure. Each time some sort of scandal comes up they hol up, think about it, gage interest and consumer intent, then act accordingly.

[robterrell]

I'm not sure it's all we need. Lodsys may not prevail, but it has shown other trolls the way. What about patents from companies Apple doesn't have a license for?

[regularfry]

They've always been a threat. The reason Lodsys were interesting was because they presented a potentially new and interesting business model: license to the few big guys, squeeze the legions of little guys.

[caf]

Patent trolls meet the Long Tail :/