Apple’s Rumored Reversible USB Connectors Could Run Into Legal Trouble

According to earlier reports, it has been suggested that Apple could be working on a reversible USB connector that will ship with the iPhone 6 and possibly future iOS devices as well. The idea of a reversible USB connector is definitely not new and previous patents filed by Apple have shown the Cupertino company has had plans for such an accessory in the past.

However according to recent reports, it seems that Apple could run into some legal trouble with the connector. This is because a California company by the name of UltraTek has already patented a similar device back in 2009 and was awarded the patent in 2010. In fact the company is currently selling the cables through major retailers.

According to UltraTek’s patent description, “The new user-friendly USB male connector provides spare connections, eliminates potential connector damage and allows normal and opposite insertions to the USB female connectors.” Of course Apple could argue that their patent is different from UltraTek’s, and at the same time UltraTek could argue that the technology is too similar.

It remains to be seen if UltraTek will be taking any legal action against Apple, if the Cupertino company were to debut such an accessory, but given Apple’s resources, we reckon that they will either be willing to take this to court and let the jury/judge decide, license UltraTek’s patents, or find a workaround, but what do you guys think?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones, Rumors
Tags: iphone 6, Legal, Patent