Microsoft gets patent on iPod menu interface

In the “oops” column for Steve Jobs has GOT to be not getting a patent on the iPod interface. My bet is that it will go down as one of the biggest gaffs in technology history. Here is what the “official” microsoft line is as of today:

“We have a longstanding practice of licensing things to Apple and licensing Apple’s patents to use in our products. Our approach is to recognize that, frankly, we’re both mutually dependent on the good ideas of one another.” - David Kaefer, business development director, Microsoft’s intellectual property and licensing group, on MS getting a patent to an iPod menu interface.