Apple is the biggest company in the world and with that comes its own set of problems. For example, generating over $50 billion in revenue in a single quarter is seen as a disappointment on Wall Street. It also means that you become a target for lawsuits of all kinds ? both serious and spurious. While a court is yet to rule on it, a Florida man claiming $10 billion because he essentially invented the iPhone, iPod and iPad likely falls into the latter category.
Florida resident Thomas S. Ross filed a lawsuit against Apple this week claiming that a series of three drawings he made between 1992 and 1995 of an "electronic reading device" proves he came up with the ideas that would, 15 years later, see Apple launch the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad.
The device outlined in the three hand drawn schematics includes dual rectangular panels with a touchscreen, cellular connectivity, internal and external storage and photo and video browsing ? all things which would eventually be incorporated into smartphones.
Apple Inc. Sued For $10 Billion By Florida Man Claiming To Have Invented iPhone, iPod and iPad