Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime targeted in $2.8bn claim
Apple has been hit with a $2.8 billion patent infringement claim centring on voice over technology used in its iMessage and FaceTime features.
According to a complaint filed by Seattle-based telecommunications company Voip-Pal (VPML), Apple has infringed two of its patents, US numbers 8,542,815 and 9,179,005.
VPML said Apple has increased its profits “by virtue of infringing the patents” and should pay $2.8 billion in damages.
The lawsuit, filed at the US District Court for the District of Nevada, was originally submitted in February but was delayed until May because VPML had reportedly hoped to reach a resolution.
A similar complaint, alleging infringement of the same patents, was filed against AT&T and Verizon demanding $2.3 billion and $1.8 billion respectively.
“Apple’s infringement of the ‘815 patent and the ‘005 patent provides Apple with unique functionality for its products at the expense of VPLM’s protected intellectual property,” the complaint said.
“Rather than innovate and develop its own technology … Apple has employed VPLM’s technology, including its routing and classification systems,” it added.
