In today’s Mobile News for 16 January, Apple takes a double hit: Motorola won the early rounds on Apple’s three-patent lawsuit, and Apple’s manufacturers weren’t following employment and safety guidelines.

Apple v Motorola: Patent Wars

Apple lost an early decision by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with the International Trade Commission (ITC) in Apple’s suit against Motorola. Friday’s decision is not final, but Apple faces an uphill battle at this point.

Motorola first sued Apple in 2010 regarding alleged violations of its patents, and Apple, true to form, immediately filed counter-suits, stating it was Motorola who violated Apple’s Intellectual Property rights under patent laws. Former CEO Steve Jobs said at the time that he wanted to

“…go thermonuclear war”

…against Motorola, and the ITC does occasionally act counter to the findings of the ALJ, but Apple’s primary WMD tools – throw-weights of reputation and size – will have considerably lesser impact than Jobs had hoped.

Apple lost to Motorola in December when a German court determined Moto did not violate Apple’s patents in that country’s released mobile phones.

Zero for two against Moto, Apple. Time for a rest and regroup?

Apple Suppliers Violate Employment and Safety Standards

Apple has released a list of 97 percent of its suppliers, a move which contradicts prior withholding policy. The report to which the list is related revealed extensive labour violations, child protection law violations, health hazards and illegal dumping of waste material.

Stern Agee analyst Shaw Wu stated Apple’s new information release policy was

“…indicative of a shift in thinking at the company that focuses on maintaining Apple’s positive image with consumers who have been demanding that Apple take more responsibility….”

Apple’s two-part revelation lists violations and suppliers, but the entries are not cross-referenced at all: By that report and list, no manufacturer can be held accountable.

Considering Shaw Wu’s recent statement history and the non-correlated report, is anyone really surprised at the ineffective “new thinking” paradigm by Apple?