Most experts who follow Apple (AAPL) and the consumer electronics industry do not think that Jobs & Co. will use any of its large group of patents to prevent the release of a new product by Palm (PALM).
Palm is weak, financially and in terms of popular products. It demise probably does not need a push from its competitors.
But, Apple may apply a little bit of pressure anyway.
Bloomberg reports that Apple may simply release enough information about its intellectual property to get Palm to rebuild its new products before their releases so it does what it can to make certain Apple will not try to take it to court over any patent infringements. The news service says, Apple "may try to intimidate Palm and other rivals into working around its patents, forcing them to cut features or delay production."
Because of good reviews of the Pre, Palm’s stock has moved from 150% over the last month. Apple could do a lot to talk Palm’s shares right back down.
Douglas A. McIntyre