Apple targeted in web store lawsuit

Clear with Computers, a small company based in Texas, is taking on the big guns over a patent they have that they believe Apple’s entire online store is infringing upon. This 1997 patent describes a system where users can log into a database and view items they have marked for purchase in a form (i.e. shopping cart). This database would also be able to be modified without having to rebuild the entire system. HP is also targeted in the patent.

There are quite a few mistakes CWC is making in their claim. For one, going after these two companies for having “shopping carts” on their online stores would mean that CWC could go after pretty much any online store if they win. Also, as AppleInsider points out, Dell began online PC sales in 1996, before this patent was created. One last issue is that this patent consists of a purchase that would be completed in person with a print-out; therefore, not entirely online. I don’t know about you, but I think CWC is going to have a really hard time winning this one.

Via [AppleInsider]