Apple, which recently paid innovator Creative Labs about $100M for the right to use the iPod user interface, has filed a patent application which uses "original technology" already available in a shipping product.

Apple touchscreen patent to raise bar
The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office today published a revolutionary Apple patent application titled 'mechanical overlay,' which depicts a new touchscreen technology that can serve as a keyboard, audio mixer, iPod clickwheel, and much more. The patent reveals potential plans for Apple to revolutionize its computing and iPod usage experience, replacing traditional keyboards and clickwheels with touchscreens displaying programmable images while accepting touch-sensitive input. The patent describes, among other details, a 'multipoint touch method' that receives multiple touches on the surface of the touchscreen, coupled with tactile as well as audio feedback of touches.

Naturally, I am sure that JazzMutant will look forward to a similar $100M payout after Apple rolls out MacBooks based on the patent application and then launches suit against the Lemur control surface for "copying" Apple innovation. Or is the Apple technology physical where the existing JazzMutant technology is virtual?