Volume IX

Issue : 16: April 21, 2011

• Seeing Red on Black Friday: Poker Sites Indicted for Fraud, Money Laundering and Illegal Gambling
• Alberta Court of Appeal Decision Potentially Affects On-Line Privacy
• Microsoft Tests Fundamentals of Patent Law in i4i Appeal
• Parent Sues Apple Over Application Purchasing Policy
• Priceline Founder Sues More Than 100 Companies for Patent Infringement
• Apple, RIM, Google and Others Sued for Patent Infringement
• Motorola and Huawei Settle Legal Disputes
• $625.5 Million Jury Verdict Against Apple Overturned

Home > Volume IX > Issue 16: April 21, 2011 > Apple, RIM, Google and Others Sued for Patent Infringement

Apple, RIM, Google and Others Sued for Patent Infringement

An action launched in the Northern District of Texas by H-W Technology alleges that Apple, RIM, Google and 29 other companies have each infringed a U.S. patent for an Internet protocol (IP) phone with search and advertising capability. The plaintiff has claimed infringement by smart phone manufacturers and app-makers in respect of functions that allow users to learn of offers from merchants and transact purchases without making a telephone call.  Other defendants include Samsung, eBay, Orbitz and Amazon. It seeks an injunction stopping the alleged infringement, as well as unspecified monetary damages.

One of the central issues in the action will be whether cellular-based smart phones fit within the definition of IP phones.  Due to the number of defendants and the high stakes in this action, it is likely that the plaintiff will face many preliminary motions, as well as a very well-funded defence.

For additional information, visit:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-20049714-94.html#ixzz1IljfSXG2