14 DAY TRIAL // The iPhone is not even out and already competitors are starting to talk about and prepare 'iPhone Killers.' While, much like in the case of the iPod, so far nobody has any device that even comes close, it looks like nobody will for at least some time. Apple really planed things through with the iPhone, and has backed up its gadget with enough patents to make sure that competitors won't be able to make clones of the device without running afoul of some of the company's intellectual property.
During the iPhone presentation, Jobs mentioned that the company had filed for more than 200 patents to protect the inventions they had placed into the new device. Almost all of the key features of the iPhone are covered. From Multi touch display, the idea to use full screen of the device for User Interface, scrolling, zooming and other finger gestures, soft on screen controls, multifunctionality, proximity, to ambient light sensors and many other functions, Apple has covered them all. When Jobs said 'And boy have we patented it!' he really meant it.
While not all of these patent claims have received patent protection, and not all of them may withstand scrutiny in court if Apple decides to enforce them, enough of the claims should stick to make creating knock-offs difficult. With the iPod, Apple won by constantly keeping one step ahead of everyone else, but could do little to stop competitors from following in their path. With the iPhone, things look quite different. If the Cupertino Company decides to implement these innovations in the next generation of iPods, as many expect them to do, it will further help to distance Apple's portable music player than the competition's and further cement its position.
If Apple manages to make the core patents stick, it will either kill off many of its competitors or force them into innovating themselves, and come out with something newer and better.