Apple Hints At Palm Pre Legal Battle

Here's what Apple no. 2 Tim Cook just said about iPhone competition: "We like competition as long as they don't rip off our IP. And we're going to go after anybody that does."

Analyst asks back if he's talking about Palm, since the Pre has some very iPhoney elements, like multitouch. Steve, remember, made a point of saying at the iPhone announcement, "Boy have we patented it!"

Tim's not-very-veiled reply: "I'm making a general statement...We will not stand for having our IP ripped off," and Apple will use any "weapons at our disposal."

Obviously, he's talking about Palm. Jon Rubinstein better watch out!