Unfortunately, rectangles can also be squares, and squares with rounded
corners is also known as a Squircle.
A Squircle is
a special case of a Super Ellipse.
So, This either means that the Super
Ellipse is covered by round rectangles design -- OR, that round rectangles are
already defined by the geometric function of a Super Ellipse.
Note that
rounded rectangles are not patentable by themselves, and that it's the other
claims that would have to be infringed/licensed/avoided/invalidated as
well.
I vote for invalidation because it's flippin' obvious to any
individual skilled in the art of hardware design... Unfortunately there is no
test for obviousness employed -- How any patent is granted in good faith is a
mystery to me: They're all doomed to end up taxing the public via the courts,
and raised prices.
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