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Patent trollin’: SpeakWare sues Apple for patent infringement

Another day, another lawsuit. California-based SpeakWare accusing Apple of …. what else? …. patent infringement. According to AppleInsider alleges infringes a patent dubbed “Hands-Free, Voice-Operated Remote Control Transmitter.”

SpeakWare claims the offending products include iPhones, iPads, and the HomePod, as well as linking platforms such as Siri and HomeKit. SpeakWare — which AppleInsider says seems to be a “patent troll” — is asking for damages with pre- and post-judgement interest, plus legal fees. The California company is also involved with lawsuits against Microsoft, Samsung, and Amazon.



A “patent troll” is an individual or an organization that purchases and holds patents for unscrupulous purposes such as stifling competition or launching patent infringement suits. In legal terms, a patent troll is a type of non-practicing entity: someone who holds a patent but is not involved in the design or manufacture of any product or process associated with that patent.

 

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.