Apple Inc. is not the inventor of Multitouch technology; however, it unarguably does take the credit of popularising the technology with its hugely successful iPhones venture. The use of Multitouch technology in devices goes back to 2006, when Jeff Han demonstrated his multitouch research at TED; followed by Microsoft’s Surface Table exhibited in early 2007.

However, it was Apple Inc. which in spite of being the last in line to launch its iPhones with multitouch technology has actually given it a convincing platform for the world to sit up and take notice of it.

Now, as the rival companies like Nokia, Synaptics, Dell and RIA go gunning for Multitouch technology to develop similar devices to take on the iPhone, Apple Inc. has been the defensive and has sought the patent of the ‘pinching’ or ‘pinch’ technology. This refers to the functioning in Multitouch-enabled iPhones where images can be zoomed and enlarged by pinching the touch screen.

Industry analysts believe, that if Apple successfully manages to obtain patent for the pinch technology, it will definitely create a crisis in

the promotion of the Multitouch technology in future mobile technology ventures as well as in computers.

Even though, patent experts opine that a gesture like the ‘pinch’ cannot be patented; however, similar gesture used to derive a special function in other devices (similar to the iPhone) will be considered an infringement of the technology. This in a way can help Apple Inc. in obtaining a patent for its famous pinch technology, which has been a determining factor in fascinating iPhone and iPod Touch users, with its ‘zooming’ gestures and effects.

Although, grant of patent application might take more than four years, there is already an impending ‘patent war’ on the anvil as mobile technology giants like Nokia and BenQ-Siemens have also filed patent applications for certain gestures and technology applications.

However, experts believe that Apple Inc. definitely has an edge over them as there are more than 200 patent claims for the iPhone alone. This is sure to include every possible gestures and applications related to Multitouch technology, giving iPhones an all exclusive rights over others.

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