Apple to Sue Android With "Slide-to-Unlock" Patent

Apple has been awarded a crucial "slide-to-lock" patent, which will likely result in further lawsuits against Google and its Android platform.

The patent is for "a device with a touch-sensitive display may be unlocked via gestures performed on the touch-sensitive display," according to the filing. "The device is unlocked if contact with the display corresponds to a predefined gesture for unlocking the device."

The language used would appear to put all Android and Windows Phone devices in violation of Apple's patent. Some analysts believe the patent is open for interpretation and may only pertain to devices that require a finger swipe from left to right to unlock, but Apple will likely put that to the test by taking legal action against potential offenders.

Apple's biggest current lawsuits are against major Android phone makers HTC and Samsung, and some believe the suits are part of a larger strategy to bring the platform down. These accusations gained some credence this week with the release of Walter Isaacson's biography on Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, which revealed Jobs disdain for the Android platform and his belief that it was a stolen product.

"I'm going to destroy Android," Jobs told Isaacson. "I will spend my last dying breath if I need to, and I will spend every penny of Apple's $40 billion in the bank, to right this wrong."

Unfortunately for Jobs, Apple's ownership of the slide to unlock patent will likely not be enough to fulfill his wish. When, and if, Apple does file a lawsuit regarding the patent, a ruling in the company's favor would likely lead to the collection of licensing fees, or at the very worst, Google being forced to release a software update that removes the slide to unlock feature.

Google has already shown alternative methods to unlocking future Android-based devices. The Ice Cream Sandwich update introduces facial recognition to unlock devices. Users can hold the device in front of their face, and using the front facing camera, the handset will either grant or deny access.

Losing the slide to unlock feature or being forced to pay heavy licensing fees would be a blow for Google, but its Android platform has grown large enough that it could likely take the hit and continue to be a fierce competitor to Apple's iPhone.