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From: miket@uop.edu (Mike Thompson)
Newsgroups: misc.legal,comp.sys.ibm.pc,comp.sys.mac,comp.sys.apple,comp.sys.atari.st,comp.sys.hp,comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: Apple Challenges HP New Wave, MS-Windows, Potentially OS/2 PM
Message-ID: <1302@uop.edu>
Date: 25 Mar 88 20:57:53 GMT
References: <5480@well.UUCP> <5492@well.UUCP> <535@nunki.usc.edu> <512@cunixc.columbia.edu>
Organization: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Lines: 39
Summary: Thoughts on why Apple did not include IBM in suit.

>In article <1293@ut-emx.UUCP>, jcc@ut-emx.UUCP (J. Chris Cooley) writes:
>> 
>> In article <1457@ur-tut.UUCP>, aptr@ur-tut (The Wumpus) writes:
>> > Apple is either getting cockey or just plain stupid.  Do they really
>> > think they can take on both HP and Microsoft? 
>>  [ other stuff deleted ]

It is curious that Apple did not make mention of IBM (At least I don't
think they did) in their law suit over the development of IBM's
SAA (Systems Application Arch. -- I think :-)) which will make heavy use
of overlaying windows similar to that of the OS/2 Presentation Manager.
They also could have included IBM, since I believe IBM is also co-developer
of OS/2's PM.  Could it be that they are not really ready to play hard ball 
where the legal expenses of hassling with IBM could ruin Apple.

I think that Apple is testing the legal waters of Look-and-Feel law suits
by taking on WINDOWS and NEW WAVE and hope to set a court precident 
while going against relatively equal contenders (MICROSOFT AND HP)
before taking on IBM with OS/2 PM.  If they did win the case ( at least to
the point where they did effect the look of WINDOWS or NEW WAVE) it would
perhaps give Apple the incentive to go after more look-alike
windowing systems like those on Sun's, Amiga's, Atari's (to beat
up GEM again!!!) and, of course, IBM's newer systems.

I hate to think that Apple could start the equivalent of China's 
Cultural revolution in this countries computer community.  It would also
be a strange position for the rest of us relying on IBM's big stick
(big $$$$$$$) to defend creativity and enhance competition in the    
computer industry.

These are my own rambling thoughts so don't take them too seriously,
but I would appreciate any comments.



Mike Thompson, University of the Pacific


P.S. At least we now now Apple has BALLS. :^)