Submission + - Apple Chief Patent Lawyer LeavesAfter Android Loss
Hugh Pickens writes writes: "PC Magazine reports that Richard "Chip" Lutton, Apple's current chief patent lawyer, is reportedly leaving the company after failing to block Android manufacturers from using iPhone-like features. "It's possible that Apple's leadership wants the patent department to become more effective, especially in terms of litigation," says intellectual property analyst Florian Mueller. "They are probably disappointed that the first ITC complaint against HTC didn't go too well," referring to Apple's attempts to win an injunction over HTC devices. In addition Apple is aggressively seeking an injunction on Samsung's flagship Galaxy lineup, arguing that the South Korean manufacturer copied the look and feel of Apple iPhones and iPads and Apple also recently joined forces with EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, Research in Motion, and Sony to block Google from acquiring 6,000 wireless technology patents held by Nortel, before it filed for bankruptcy. "Running Apple's patent department is probably one of the most demanding jobs in the field of intellectual property," adds Mueller. "Apple has recently started a number of lawsuits and may initiate several more. It's also sought out by patent trolls all the time.""
