Apple Patents Design of the MacBook Air

By Douglas Perry
published

We all know that Intel has not invented the Ultrabook - perhaps it invented the name, but certainly not the form factor (even if Intel says that Ultrabooks are not just about the size, but about the user experience.)

Apple just patented the design of the MacBook Air, which is really the image we imagine when we talk about an Ultrabook.

Patent infringements on ornamental designs are not pursued as often as technology patents, and it is unlikely that Apple would go after Intel as long as the chipmaker is delivering the hardware for its computers, but this patent surely is interesting in the light of Intel's $300 million fund to support the launch of its Ultrabook idea. Could go Apple go after Acer, Asus and Samsung, once those firms are releasing Ultrabooks? Possibly.

However, history has told us that PCs look different than Apple computers and there may not be really an issue as Ultrabooks are unlikely to resemble the visual appeal of the MacBook Air.

Douglas Perry
56 Comments Comment from the forums
  • icepick314
    don't forget to put buttons below the trackpad...

    problem averted!!!!!!!
    Reply
  • mister g
    and it is unlikely that Apple would go after Intel as long as the chipmaker is delivering the hardware for its computers
    Apple went after Samsung, the chip manufacterer of every one of Apple's iDevices. Since Intel is pushing the ultrabook design if Apple gets this patented and sues Intel I think there will be a huge falling out over this (hey Apple already uses Radeons in its Macs).
    Reply
  • HansVonOhain
    Apple is one greedy ass company. They will sue anyone that remotely touches that shape or logo.
    Reply
  • Miharu
    It's a copy of my old Dell except it's not slim as picture.
    The picture also look like a Netbook.

    Such patient shouldn't be accorded in first place.
    Reply
  • ionut19
    I have a question, how can you patent a generic screen, a generic keyboard and a generic touch pad?
    I asked my mother, "Do you see this laptop?" and she said "Isn't it like your sister's?", witch is a dell laptop . My sister does not have apple products and my mother is not an expert in tech stuff. So i would say, how can you patent a generic laptop design?

    I don't see anything different that stands out from other laptops.
    Reply
  • ulysses35
    Yet another reason not to buy apple products, what they sell you looks nice but doesnt perform as well as other manufacturers kit which usually costs less.

    The (cr)apple decide when they loose some of their market to sue everyone for patent infringement. Harldy an ethical move by a company that claims to be the be all and do all of the tech / audio world.
    Reply
  • tsnorquist
    There seriously needs to be some patent reform in this country.
    Reply
  • amk-aka-Phantom
    However, history has told us that PCs look different than Apple computers and there may not be really an issue as Ultrabooks are unlikely to resemble the visual appeal of the MacBook Air.

    Honestly, I never understood what's so "appealing" about MBs in general and MB Air in particular... it's just a boring white laptop. Asus VX series is WAY better looking.
    Reply
  • DjEaZy
    http://www.tomshardware.com/news/apple-intel-future-roadmap-macbook,12780.html
    http://www.tomshardware.com/news/ultrabook-notebook-fund-investment-capital,13207.html
    ... so intel don't copy it... read articles to see, what i think with that...
    Reply
  • iwantamd7970
    So why can't the guy who made the clamshell laptop sue everyone else?
    Reply