Blackberrys could be illegal in the USA.

[burn_baby_burn]

http://ca.news.finance.yahoo.com/s/1...tent-woes.html

The U.S.-based International Trade Commission is mulling a ban on imports of Research in Motion Inc.'s signature BlackBerry device because of patent complaints by Motorola Inc. and Eastman Kodak Co.
The ITC announced Friday it is investigating claims that Waterloo, Ont.-based RIM violated a number of Motorola patents in its wireless devices and corresponding software products.
Motorola has asked the ITC to execute cease and desist orders against RIM products in the U.S. while in investigation is underway.
The ITC does not have the power to impose financial penalties, but can order border and custom officials to ensure that products found to be in violation of trademark are denied entrance to the country.

[mykalberta]

Haha. Motorola cannot design a descent phone so they try with the lawyers.

Like with most of this stuff, it will go to court and be defeated because the patent was too general or Rim will have to pay a fine.

[Hack&Lube]

Never going to happen, Blackberries are used by too many Americans.

Just another case of companies throwing suits at RIM which they get about 20 a year!

When you're on top, everybody tries to sue you for money.

[calculoso]

I'd love to see Obama's reaction if this happens, especially after he fought so hard to keep his personal one as President...

[csnarpy]

Originally Posted by calculoso

I'd love to see Obama's reaction if this happens, especially after he fought so hard to keep his personal one as President...

After he's done with this I expect Motorola to be the company being banned

[BlackArcher101]

Good luck finding a lawyer (that doesn't use a BB) to put this into action against RIM.

[burn_baby_burn]

The article also mentions that Kodak has the same beef with the iPhone as it does with RIM.

[llama64]

BB defeated the patent for a wireless device used to retrieve email. I really doubt BB can be brought down by generic and far ranging patents - Motorola had better have some pretty damning evidence if it wants to succeed here.

The entire patent system in the USA is so wonky it's a wonder any innovation happens in that country anymore.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Good luck finding a lawyer (that doesn't use a BB) to put this into action against RIM.

I know of a few large firms that have switched over to iphone's and a few others that support iphone's if attorneys wish to use one.

And they'll be lots of firms lining up to represent the likes of Motorola and Kodak.

[Burninator]

Doesn't Apple have a touchscreen patent for cell phones that probably has no chance of being enforced?

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Burninator

Doesn't Apple have a touchscreen patent for cell phones that probably has no chance of being enforced?

They were not the first smartphone with a touch screen. Palm Treo's had touch screens five years ago. Pocket PCs and Palm Pilots had touch screens 10 years ago.