In September 2007, during a lawsuit with patent holding company Burst.com, Apple drew attention to a patent for a similar device that was developed in 1979. Kane Kramer applied for a UK patent for his design of a "plastic music box" in 1981, which he called the IXI. He was unable to secure funding to renew the US$120,000 worldwide patent, so it lapsed and Kramer never profited from his idea.
In September 2007 , during a lawsuit with patent holding company Burst.com , Apple drew attention to a patent for a similar device that was developed in 1979 . Kane Kramer applied for a UK patent for his design of a " plastic music box " in 1981 , which he called the IXI . He was unable to secure funding to renew the US$ 120,000 worldwide patent , so it lapsed and Kramer never profited from his idea .
What was the name of the previously-patented music player from 1981?
What was the name of the previously - patented music player from 1981 ?
IXI
IXI