Apple iPod 'Click Wheel' patent belongs to a Japanese inventor

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Tokyo District Court ordered Apple to pay about 335 million yen ($3.4m) in damages to a Japanese inventor for infringing his patent, The Asahi Shimbun reported.

The ‘Click Wheel’ technology is that the controller functions with a wheel-shaped sensor and click buttons installed. Users can choose songs, photos and others on the screen by tracking the circle controller and the button.

The Japanese inventor invented this technology in 1998 and Apple held negotiations for using his licensed technology, but they didn't make any agreements. The lawyer representing the inventor said after the court's ruling that “It was recognized that an idea of a Japanese inventor was used in a worldwide hit product. The ruling will encourage inventors.” Apple refused to comment on the ruling.

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