HACKER Q&A
📣 gitgud

Are software UX patents still used/enforced?


The last big patent issue I can remember is the [1] Samsung vs Apple on the slide to unlock lawsuit.

Which is strange because it seems software is more homogeneous than ever. Everyone's using the same standardised components and UX designs. Hamburger menus, pinch zoom, pull down to refresh... etc

Have companies given up trying to protect their UX ideas? Or is everyone somehow using open and free ideas, which can't be patented?

[1] https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.news18.com/amp/news/tech/apple-wins-120-million-in-slide-to-unlock-patent-infringement-case-against-samsung-1569345.html


  👤 type0 Accepted Answer ✓
Ideas shouldn't be patentable, implementation on the other hand might

https://www.theregister.com/2020/05/21/gnome_foundation_sett...