These court cases keep coming. But then when you're history's richest company, I suppose you've got to expect the odd lawsuit or two.
This one concerns Apple's Numbers spreadsheet tech, its rival to Microsoft Excel. A Texas-based company has taken umbrage with the Cupertino company, claiming it infringes on its patents, Priorsmart reports.
Apple is accused of infringing on a patent covering a "system and methods for improved spreadsheet interface with user-familiar objects" in Numbers. (Basically it's accusing Apple of copying how its software works.) The complaint was filed on Wednesday with the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas Tyler Division.
The patent was granted back in 1995, and now belongs to Data Engine Technologies LLC, which is what's commonly referred to as a 'patent troll.' No, that doesn't mean it stalks the patent libraries making offensive comments, it brings actions for financial gain rather than out of any desire to protects its products. Or so a cynic might say.
According to Data Engine Technologies, Apple knew about its patent in mid-2010, and referenced its own patent for cutting and copying cells in a spreadsheet, which was issued in 2007. Apple introduced Numbers that year, and launched it as a standalone iOS app in 2010.
Data Engine Technologies is asking for damages for infringement, plus a permanent injunction on Numbers. The full works then.
It may seem small beer to Apple's more high profile appearances before a judge, but a case of this kind could still cost the Mac maker. Apple recently won $1 billion from Samsung in the biggest court case in tech history. And now it's asking for another $700 million for its troubles.
What do you think of Data Engine Technologies' chances? And what do you make of these patent cases? Let me know in the comments below, or over on our patently great Facebook page.
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Comments 8
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Loadit 29 September, 2012 14:01
I hope they succeed. Let Apple have a taste of their own medicine..
anonymous 29 September, 2012 20:58
I love you guys at CNET, but you guys are often really bias to apple, There are times when you admit that other things are right or better, but again you portray apple as the innocent ones. '(Basically it's accusing Apple of copying how its software works.)' Isnt this what Apple tried suing Samsung over? apart from not software, some Hardware. Apple Deserve all these people trying to sue them, If it be Motorola, Data Engine Technologies LLC etc. Apple Deserve It.
anonymous 29 September, 2012 22:33
The patent system is rotten full stop. There is need to protect IP but patent trolls and companies being granted obvious design patents are retarding tech development.
I'm not sure what the answer is but something needs to change.
anonymous 30 September, 2012 03:59
@Loadit they have had it before in China with Proview. I'm pretty sure Apple paid a settlement of $60m and their New iPad was delayed for months in China leading to poor sales here, as Chinese youngsters go crazy for western products.
joebhoy 1 October, 2012 00:03
"Which is what's commonly known as patent trolls" !
Oh that one gave me a laugh !!
Cnets Apple love knows no bounds !
Apple are the kings of patent trolling !!!
anonymous 1 October, 2012 04:03
There's actually criticism for the term 'patent troll'. Popular criticism suggests that companies used the term to discredit other companies and go a PR upper hand. The reason I mention this is because of the below. So it seems in US law it is completely fine to own a patent, sit on it an sue if they choose to.
"Under US law patent owners need not commercialize the invention to enforce their patents. Patent owners may negotiate any royalty others can be convinced to pay in exchange for a license to not be prohibited from making, using or selling the patented invention, but the only right conferred by holding a US patent is the right to sue to prevent others from making, using or selling the invention or to collect damages for the breach of that right"
anonymous 1 October, 2012 13:31
Its just getting worst as patents are concerned on the other hand, spreadsheet tools are gaining more and more action. With more and more firms fighting out the race, its just got very intense. Microsoft office 13, Grid and CollateBox have made their name in this circle, its just a matter of time to watch out for these players..
anonymous 4 October, 2012 13:54
Noone should be disregarding this claim, calling it petty and 'obvious' at all.
There are many methods of creating a program similar to Excel - After all Microsoft did it. Apple just take existing tech and claim it as their own, expecting to get away with it. It will be their downfall.