A federal jury in Texas ruled last week that Apple did not infringe five wireless technology patents owned by a Canadian patent licensing firm.

Apple wins intellectual property lawsuit

March 25, 2015 10:22 am Published by Leave your thoughts

A federal jury in Texas ruled last week that Apple did not infringe five wireless technology patents owned by Canadian patent licensing firm Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.

In 2012 Core Wireless Licensing Sarl, a subsidiary of Ottawa-based Conversant, sued Apple for intellectual property violations, claiming that the company had used Conversant patents on wireless data transmission in its iPhones and iPads without authorization.

The initial lawsuit alleged dozens of wireless technology patent infringements, but as the case carried on Conversant whittled down their claim to five patients that focused on 2G, 3G and 4G communication protocols used in Apple iPhones and iPads. The licensing company was seeking $100 million in damages and a position of Apple's device sales.

The jury deliberated for five hours, according to Reuters, before finding that Apple had not violated any patents. They also rejected Apple's claim that Core Wireless had breached its obligation to license its patents on fair terms.

Conversant acquired Core Wireless and it's patent and patent applications in 2011. The intellectual property management firm owns and obtains patents and generates revenue through licensing. When applicable they target companies with lawsuits, arguing that certain products violate Conversant's patents. In some instances the business simply pay a royalty, but Apple chose to take the fight to court.

According to CNet firms like Conversant are a source of debate amongst industry experts and watchers. Many argue that they are simply protecting intellectual property, while critics say that the lawsuits are an attempt at "patent trolling," or attempting to make a profit off the successes of others without having played any part in the manufacturing or creation of the patents they defend.

This story is just another example of the complexities and intricacies of intellectual property law. If your work is patented and you believe you may have a case for infringement get in touch with an experienced business attorney as soon as possible. 

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