Apple Found to Infringe Smartflash Patents

Apple has been ordered to pay $533 million to Smartflash, LLC for patent infringement.  How do you like them apples?  Despite that Smartflash asked for a number exceeding $800 million, the jury awarded less despite finding willful infringement.  Of course, the patent attorneys will review the case and recommend an immediate appeal, but nevertheless, a judgment has been rendered against them at this time.  

Very Happy With Verdict

Following the verdict, an attorney for Smartflash said that they are “very happy with the jury’s verdict, which recognizes Apple’s longstanding willful infringement.  

The appeal filed by a patent attorney may very well focus on the validity of the patents or the claim construction.  Apple believed that the patented technology was covered by prior art technology.

Apple wins against GPNE

One company recently took Apple through a patent infringement trial.  GPNE, which apple has labeled as a patent troll, was defeated in a jury trial.  GPNE asked for a large verdict to the tune of $94 million in compensation. As reported by CNET, GPNE has threatened lawsuits not only against apple for its technology, but also against hundreds of small businesses as well. 

The trial started on October 6, asserting United States Patent Nos. 7,570,954 and 7,792,492.  The damage expert, believed to be Michael Dansky, was excluded because his testimony failed to disclose his royalty-calculation methodology, which the judge found to be inadequate. 

Following the trial, Apple released the following statement:

"We are pleased the jury in California saw through GPNE's attempt to extort money from Apple for 20 year old pager patents that have expired, wasting time for everyone involved. GPNE is a patent troll with no active business other than patent litigation. They have sent more than 300 demand letters in the past year to everyone from truckers and farmers to roofers and dairies threatening costly legal entanglements if these small businesses didn't pay them off -- this isn't right. Apple invents products that revolutionize industries, and relies upon the U.S. patent system to protect our innovation. We urge congressional leaders to continue focusing on reform in this important area of patent law."

Patent rights can change the landscape of business in an instant.  Our Fort Lauderdale patent attorney based law firm understands technology in both prosecution and infringement.  Let the Firm provide guidance when starting your business to avoid common pitfalls relating to patents and trademarks.