During Apple's earnings conference call this week, acting CEO Tim Cook seemed to throw a shot at Palm regarding their upcoming Pre phone, even though he didn't mention them specifically. Cook said:

"We like competition, as long as they don't rip off our IP, and if they do, we're going to go after anybody that does. We will not stand for having our IP ripped off and we'll use whatever weapons we have at our disposal [to make sure that doesn't happen]. I don't know that I can be more clear than that."

Palm has responded and they don't seem to feel threatened by Apple.

"Palm has a long history of innovation that is reflected in our products and robust patent portfolio, and we have long been recognized for our fundamental patents in the mobile space. If faced with legal action, we are confident that we have the tools necessary to defend ourselves."

At this point it is merely public posturing but what will happen if Apple does file suit? Have you seen the Palm Pre demo video from CES? Some of the gestures sure look like Apple's iPhone gestures....