Sony and the Walkman

Everybody attributes Sony with the invention of the Walkman. It basically puts the company on the map as being one of the most innovative companies. However, Akio Morita, former CEO and suppose to be the "inventor" of the Walkman would turn in his grave if he would know that Sony paid several million Euros to a German inventor who patented the idea in 1977.

The battle and negotiation between the person, Mr. Andreas Pavel, and Sony went on for about 20 years, all in all, and actually, he once was nearly bankrupt in course of the lawsuit. Well, it didn't start off that badly, but went on for a longer time, but was conducted on a friendly basis between the two parties first. CNet reports that " Sony always rejected Pavel's claim that he had invented the gadget. In 1989, Pavel turned to the British justice system to establish his ownership of the rights. After more than seven years, Pavel's suit was dismissed, and he found himself near bankruptcy because the court costs--nearly 3 million euros (US$3.68 million)--were charged to him. Pavel threatened to continue his battle in other countries where he held a patent. In 2001, Sony changed its stance and agreed to start new negotiations with Pavel, which led to the settlement." (). Interesting story!