Apple Suffers Multiple Setbacks

Apple just doesn’t seem to get a break these days. At least when it comes to dealing with companies such as Kodak and Nokia. We already know that Nokia going after Apple’s profits. This time it’s Kodak that is making trouble for Apple and RIM. The company has alleged that Apple and RIM have infringed upon its patents. The International Trade Commission is now investigating both companies, and it could all lead to a sales ban for iPhone in the U.S. While that scenario is not likely at this point, Kodak will push to get royalty for its alleged patent.

If these lawsuits are not bad enough, Apple has to fight hard to keep Google off its turf. In another provocative move, Google has acquired and discontinued one of the best e-mail applications available for iPhone, depriving the iPhone nation from taking advantage of one of the better apps on the market. This war between Google and Apple is going to get even more nasty, but Google is being unusually evil with its approach against the iPhone.

Microsoft can play this game as well. We have already seen Microsoft’s latest mobile platform. But don’t expect Microsoft to play nice with Google and Apple. The company has waited too long to release an exciting Windows Upgrade. All that work wasn’t to get the third place in the mobile platform wars. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Microsoft made some acquisitions of its own.

Apple is going to take some hits with its iPad as well. You can be sure that there will be lawsuits, more than we have seen so far. And unlike the iPhone, iPad is being taken seriously by Apple’s competitors. HP and other tablet makers are going to go after Apple iPad aggressively. Let’s not forget Amazon is building its answer to the iPad as well. Things may look a bit uncertain for Apple right now, but the company has passed all kinds of tests in the past. There is no reason it can’t do it again.