Controversy erupted last week when Microsoft was granted a patent on the use of short, long or double clicks to launch different applications on “limited resource computing devices”, otherwise known as PDAs and mobile phones (US 6727830). The patent does not apply to computers, despite internet hysteria to the contrary.
The patent means any US company using a variety of clicks to launch different gadget functions from the same button may have to change the product or pay fees to Microsoft.
The UK company Symbian, which used double clicking on its operating systems for mobile phones, could be affected…
