Apple Computer Inc. v. Microsoft Corp.
Apple Computer, Inc. v. Microsoft Corp. was a pivotal copyright infringement lawsuit between Apple Computer, Inc. (now Apple Inc.) and Microsoft Corporation alongside Hewlett-Packard. The case, cited as 35 F.3d 1435 (9th Cir. 1994), revolved around the use of visual graphical user interface (GUI) elements that allegedly resembled those in Apple's Lisa and Macintosh operating systems.
Background
The lawsuit was initiated in 1988, as Apple sought to prevent Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard from deploying GUI elements in their software that were similar to its own. This legal battle unfolded against the backdrop of the emerging dominance of Microsoft's Windows operating system, which was starting to become a direct competitor to Apple's Macintosh.
Legal Proceedings
The case largely hinged on whether Apple could claim proprietary rights over the concept of a GUI—specifically, the "desktop metaphor" which includes elements like icons, windows, and trash cans. The court ultimately ruled that Apple could not obtain patent-like protection for these concepts under copyright law.
During the proceedings, Xerox Corporation also entered the fray, suing Apple by claiming that the Macintosh's GUI was heavily based on Xerox’s own innovations. However, the district court swiftly dismissed Xerox's claims without delving into the potential infringement by Apple.
Court Rulings
The outcome was largely in favor of Microsoft, with Apple losing most of its claims. The court did find, however, that certain elements from Hewlett-Packard's NewWave windows application, specifically the trash can and folder icons, infringed on Apple's design. Despite this minor victory, Apple's overall attempt to secure its GUI designs through copyright was largely unsuccessful. This decision was affirmed on appeal in 1994, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Apple's appeal.
Aftermath and Impact
The resolution of the lawsuit coincided with broader agreements between Apple and Microsoft. Apple agreed to make Microsoft's Internet Explorer the default browser on Macintosh computers, adversely affecting Netscape. In return, Microsoft pledged to continue developing Microsoft Office and other software for Macintosh over the subsequent five years. Additionally, Microsoft agreed to purchase $150 million of nonvoting Apple stock, and both companies entered into a patent cross-licensing agreement.
This lawsuit highlighted significant issues regarding the protection of software interfaces and set precedents for future technology-related intellectual property litigation.