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.