On January 20, Apple was awarded with a patent regarding the multitouch functionality on the iPhone and the iPod Touch.

The document describing the entire algorithm of the multitouch screen, which has over 300 pages, had been filed at the United States Patent Office almost one year ago, on April 11, 2008, having the title "Touch screen device, method, and graphical user interface for determining commands by applying heuristics.”

The extremely detailed document refers to the entire technology embedded in the multitouch screen and points out that several algorithm heuristics that transfer the input from one “or more” finger touches to operate the software.

The now popular multitouch display of the iPhone delivers a totally different user experience compared with all the other touchscreens on the market. By being able to manipulate objects and images on the screen by pinching or rotating two fingers on the screen’s surface, the user can interact more directly with the phone.

The multitouch screen has also helped software developers to release new applications that are easier to use and that offer more features compared with similar programs on other mobile devices that have classic touchscreens.

The news that Apple received a patent for its touchscreen technology means that the Cupertino-based company could sue other manufacturers that use similar algorithms for their multitouch-enabled mobile devices, such as the Google G1 and the Palm Pre smartphones.

Moreover, in a statement made this week by Tim Cook, Apple CEO, he pointed out that the company would do whatever it takes to protect its intellectual property, as it seems that Apple is being suspicious regarding the multitouch features offered on Palm Pre.