Security software developer John Sharp has indulged in a spot of patent digging over at his blog, and come up with one of Microsoft's latest: "Graphical user interface for a screen telephone". Now it might sound dull (and let's face it, unless you're a patent lawyer every patent sounds pretty dull) but there are some potentially far-reaching implications of this newly-granted IP, should Microsoft's law-gibbons be able to work their magic in the courts.

The abstract describes "a graphical user interface for a web telephone and other telephony devices provides a unique combination of display elements that provide information and enable the user to access functionality of the device" and goes on to document a number of features that have already appeared in some form on today's handsets.

John highlights some particularly interesting sections which could give Microsoft a sound basis for an IP claim against Apple for aspects of the iPhone. It's another example of the sloth of the patent process throwing up controversy long after the initial submission; while it was granted on May 27th of this year, the initial application was made back on August 25th 1999.

Does Microsoft Own iPhone? [In Security]