Jobs threatening Palm with patent warfare
Steve Jobs — CEO, Apple, All Things Digital (D5 Conference)
“We don't worry about competitors copying our products or hiring our people. We just focus on making the best products in the world and letting customers decide.”
Steve Jobs to Edward Colligan — email correspondence, Direct email from Jobs to Palm CEO
“Colligan: 'Your proposal that we agree not to hire each other's employees is not only wrong, it is likely illegal.' Jobs: 'I'm sure you realize the asymmetry in the financial resources of our respective companies... We have substantial patents. Think about the consequences.'”
The Split:Jobs told journalists he didn't worry about competitors hiring staff. When Palm CEO Ed Colligan told him a no-hire pact was illegal, Jobs threatened to crush Palm financially with patent litigation.
The phrase 'focus on making great products' in public frequently masks predatory legal bullying behind the curtain.