Quantum says no current plans for iPhone-related suit

Quantum Research on Monday denied media reports that it is preparing a second patent infringement lawsuit against iPod maker Apple over its upcoming iPhone handset.

The Southampton-based touch sensor specialist sued Apple back in 2005, alleging that touch technology used in the PowerBook, Mighty Mouse and iPod nano product lines infringes on its charge transfer patents.

A reported published by Electronics Weekly last week suggested Quantum was readying a second suit, this time over the iPhone's rear-surface touch screen and proximity sensing. However, a company statement provided to the EETimes on Monday denied such claims.

"Quantum has no knowledge of any infringement by Apple of Quantum's patents in regard to the iPhone or any other product other than those products alleged to be infringing in our 2005 lawsuit against Apple and Cypress Semiconductor," the company said.

The firm added that it will operate under the assumption that none of its patents have been violated "until the iPhone product is made available for public sale."

Quantum's original suite against Apple is still pending.

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7 Comments

dylanw23

said about 17 years ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Quantum's original suite against Apple is still pending.

"Suit"

agnuke1707

said about 17 years ago

Oh, okay ... so are they saying Apple is off the hook ... for now? I've almost forgotten what it's like to have a good rumor about an upcoming product, however, I am up to speed with Apple's legal department!

crees!

said about 17 years ago

I'll put money down betting Quantum will sue Apple sometime this year.

shamino

said about 17 years ago

Makes sense. You can't really sue over an internal-only product, no matter how much it is advertised. If they sue before the product is released, then Apple can make some last minute changes and blow the entire suit out of the water.

If, on the other hand, Quantum waits until the iPhone ships, they can buy one and take it apart, and have enough information to possibly make a case. Assuming there is a case to be made, of course.

ecking

said about 17 years ago

Quote:

The firm added that it will operate under the assumption that none of its patents have been violated "until the iPhone product is made available for public sale."

AKA: until apple makes money off it.