Motorola targets Apple across 18 patent violations
by Steven Mostyn - Oct 8 2010, 12:24
Which one is Apple and which one is Motorola? Image: JoF/Flickr.
Patent squabbling is hardly a rarity where high-profile tech companies are concerned, and this week the latest volley of legal accusations was unleashed towards computer and gadget maker Apple by mobile phone manufacturer Motorola.
The first of Motorola’s two filings against Apple contends that the Cupertino-based company is guilty of infringing upon no less than 18 different patents connected to the wireless technology utilised via Mac computers, the iPhone smartphone, iPod Touch handset, iPad tablet, the App Store and MobileMe.
Taking a closer look at the specifics, Motorola’s grievance is based around Apple’s Wi-Fi antenna designs along with its use of W-CDMA and GPRS technologies, proximity sensing, location-based services, application management, synchronisation, and wireless email implementations.
According to Motorola, both companies have been involved in “lengthy negotiations” regarding the infringed patents and their related licensing fees, but Apple’s apparent refusal to offer payment has ultimately forced Motorola to seek legal action to protect its industry-leading intellectual property portfolio.
“We had no choice but to file these complaints to halt Apple’s continued infringement,” outlined Kirk Dailey, corporate vice president of intellectual property for Motorola Mobility.
“Motorola will continue to take all necessary steps to protects its R&D [Research & Development] and intellectual property, which are critical to the company’s business,” he added.
Motorola is asking the court to grant an injunction preventing Apple from selling any and all products and services that infringe upon its patents. It is also seeking unspecified monetary compensation from Apple in connection to the unlicensed use of its patents.
In a separate complaint, Motorola has requested that the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) signs off on an importation block on all Apple products violating Motorola’s patents.
Apple, as is its way, has offered no official comment regarding Motorola’s legal complaints.
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