Personal Audio sues Apple again

A couple of years ago, Personal Audio LLC filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing them of allegedly unauthorized use of Personal Audio’s playlist-related IP. The case was settled, with Personal Audio being awarded $8 million as a settlement fee. Now it looks like Personal Audio isn’t satisfied with the money and is out for more blood.

Because the previous lawsuit was filed back in 2009, it only covered the old iPods that were out back then. Apparently Apple’s devices that have been released since the original lawsuit infringe on Personal Audio’s patents as well and the company has decided to go after those as well. Included in the new list of devices are the iPhone 4, 4^th generation iPod Touch, iPad 2, 4^th generation iPod shuffle, and 6^th generation iPod Nano.

We know that Apple is not one to shy away from lawsuits, with the company out for blood every other week, especially with its recent ongoing cases against HTC and Samsung. It sure looks like a vicious cycle in this highly-competitive industry, with everyone out to get everyone. Is there anything left to patent anymore?

George Wong
Categories: Apple, Audio
Tags: Apple Inc, lawsuit, patent infringement