Apple’s iPhone is the cumulation of a variety of ideas stuffed inside a single device. This means that chances are there is an idea inside the phone that someone might have thought of before, and might have even patented, which is why from time to time despite Apple’s best efforts, they are hit with lawsuits that allege patent infringement.The latest case involves the California Institute of Technology who has accused both Apple and Broadcom (whose technology is found in Apple’s products) of infringing upon their patents related to WiFi. To be more specific, there are four patents that Apple and Broadcom have apparently infringed with regard to IRA/LDPC encoders and decoders.
The products that allegedly infringe upon these patents include iPhones beginning with the iPhone 5, the iPad, the MacBook Air, and the Apple Watch. Part of the formal complaint reads, “Apple manufactures, uses, imports, offers for sale, and/or sells Wi-Fi products that incorporate IRA/LDPC encoders and/or decoders and infringe the Asserted Patents. Apple products that incorporate IRA/LDPC encoders and/or decoders and infringe the Asserted Patents include, but are not limited to, the following: iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5, iPad Air, IPad Air 2, iPad Pro, iPad Mini 4, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 2, MacBook Air, Apple Watch”
Presumably the California Institute of Technology will be seeking damages with regard to the loss in potential royalties, but whether or not they will be successful with their claims remains to be seen.