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Motorola sues Apple over patent infringement

Is there anyone in the wireless handset business NOT suing each other? Motorola has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission against Apple alleging that the iPhone, iPad, iTouch and some Macs infringe on patents.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

Is there anyone in the wireless handset business NOT suing each other? Motorola has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission against Apple alleging that the iPhone, iPad, iTouch and some Macs infringe on patents.

Motorola contends that Apple is infringing on 18 patents, "which relate to early-stage innovations." Even MobileMe and Apple's App Store are mentioned in Motorola's complaint.

The patents related to wireless communication technologies including:

  • WCDMA (3G),
  • GPRS,
  • 802.11,
  • antenna design,
  • and a laundry list of smartphone technologies ranging from wireless email, proximity sensing, software application management, location-based services and multi-device synchronization.

Motorola is seeking an investigation into Apple and an injunction on the importation of infringing products. Motorola wants Apple to stop using its patents and seeks compensation.

In a statement, Kirk Dailey, corporate vice president of intellectual property at Motorola Mobility, said:

"After Apple's late entry into the telecommunications market, we engaged in lengthy negotiations, but Apple has refused to take a license. We had no choice but to file these complaints to halt Apple's continued infringement. Motorola will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its R&D and intellectual property, which are critical to the company's business."

For those keeping score at home, Microsoft sued Motorola over Android last week.

And before that:

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