On this day in 1994, Apple made a bold move by suing the San Francisco Canyon Company.
So, what caused the lawsuit?
Apple claimed that the company helped Intel and Microsoft “borrow” their code from QuickTime for Windows.
Back then, Apple’s QuickTime software was ahead of the game, and Microsoft’s competing Video for Windows software struggled to keep up.
The alleged code-sharing allowed Video for Windows to suddenly match the quality of QuickTime – and that sparked a major lawsuit.
This legal battle was about more than just code; it set the stage for a tech showdown that shaped the entire industry.
The lawsuit eventually led to a settlement between Apple and Microsoft in 1997. Many believe this helped Apple to stay afloat, later transforming the tech landscape with groundbreaking products like the iPhone.
For business owners, it’s a reminder of how protecting intellectual property and forming strategic partnerships can impact your long-term success.
Have you secured what makes your business unique? It could be your most valuable asset.
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