Apple finds itself embroiled in yet another patent dispute, though its not with any rival company. Boston University has actually sued Apple, claiming that the company’s products infringes on the University’s patent.
Whenever Apple is in the news regarding patent disputes, its usually against Samsung. Both companies have been at each others figurative throats in courts all around the world. There have been lawsuits and counter-suits, and evidently both companies aren’t going to be backing out of their disputes any time soon. Boston University on the other hand is one of the largest private universities in U.S., it claims that Apple has infringed on a patent related to technology that was developed by one of the University’s professors.
The patent in question relates to a small electronic semiconductor, developed by Professor Theodore D. Moustakas, Boston University was granted the patent in 1997. The technology described as “highly insulating monocrystalline gallium nitride thin films” can be found in iPhone 5, MacBook Air as well as the iPad. Eight identical patent infringement claims have been filed against small manufacturers as well by Boston University just last year, and behemoths like Amazon and Samsung as well.
Apple is likely to pursue the matter in court, a settlement at this stage looks highly unlikely. Analysts are of the view that the University might be awarded as much as $75 million in damages if it comes out victorious in this patent dispute.
Source: [iClarified]
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