Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) got served recently with another patent lawsuit. This time, it was for a call-forwarding feature that allegedly infringes on another patent from Bluebonnet Telecommunications.
The claim says the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 infringed a particular patent that covered the method and apparatus for determining the telephone-like features that were assigned to a telephone. Part of the lawsuit explained the details, “Apple induces end-user customers to use the accused smartphones, and specifically to use them in a manner that infringes the 511 patent. They do so by (1) providing instructions to their customers that explain how to use the features of the accused devices that are accused of infringement (specifically those features that allow call forwarding and the display of whether the feature is activated); and (2) by touting the accused features of the smartphone.”
Apple’s Patent Case Details:
According to the lawsuit, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) apparently knew about the 511 patent since the filing of the first lawsuit since the beginning of the lawsuit. However, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was unaware of the questioned patent and they chose to file the lawsuit without trying to reach Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) for an agreement or license.
What is interesting about this entire case is that although it’s perfectly acceptable in the confines of a law, Bluebonnet Telecommunications still called Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s infringement willful. The Texas-based company is also seeking damages, attorney fees, and a permanent injunction.
Most companies who filed lawsuits against Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) don’t find much success in bringing the company down. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is a strong company, and as long as they are not doing anything illegal, it would be hard to beat them in a lawsuit.
Last year, Apple won a lawsuit against Samsung. The Cupertino-based company was awarded $1.049 billion in damages from Samsung. Although their number competitor filed a countersuit, Samsung lost the case. The courtroom battle between Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung will continue next year.
via: TUAW
