After Apple’s thinly-veiled threats of legal action over similarities between the Pre and the iPhone, Palm have spoken out regarding the ongoing question of multitouch intellectual property.  In a statement given to Digital Daily, Palm spokesperson Lynn Fox highlighted the company’s own “history of innovation” and “robust patent portfolio”, backing that up with the assurance that, should they become the target of legal action, they “have the tools necessary” to fight that battle.

Full Palm statement after the cut

“Palm has a long history of innovation that is reflected in our products and robust patent portfolio, and we have long been recognized for our fundamental patents in the mobile space. If faced with legal action, we are confident that we have the tools necessary to defend ourselves” Lynn Fox, spokesperson, Palm

The IP furore began earlier this week, when Apple’s Tim Cook threatened that his company would “go after” anybody suspected of impinging technology used in the iPhone and iPhone 3G.  When analysts specifically mentioned the Pre, and the similarities of its multitouch interface to that of the Apple smartphone, Cook declined to comment solely on Palm but reiterated his threats of possible legal action.

It remains to be seen whether Apple’s notorious legal team – undoubtedly as familiar with the Pre as is possible in this pre-release stage – will take the next step and highlight specific cases where they believe intellectual property has been misused.  Given the importance of the Pre to Palm, there certainly was no real question of them doing anything but standing behind their product and their IP portfolio.