GPNE sues Apple, RIM, Nokia, others over GPRS networking
updated 03:50 pm EDT, Wed July 13, 2011
Tech integral to modern cellular systems
Apple, Amazon, Nokia, Research in Motion and several other companies are all violating patents related to GPRS networking, a new lawsuit alleges. The plaintiff is GPNE, a company based in Honolulu, Hawaii. GPRS is the basic data platform associated with modern GSM phone networks. 3G, in the form of HSPA, represents an additional layer.
The companies are accused of violating three US patents: 7,555,267, 7,570,954 and 7,792,492, which cover different aspects of communication between nodes. Infringing Apple products are said to include the iPhone 4 and iPad, although the scope of the suit could theoretically encompass other 3G-capable products. Court documents accuse Apple of making products "with the ability to function with GPRS."
From all defendants GPNE is asking for damages, plus "a reasonable, on-going, post judgment royalty." Other targeted companies include Barnes & Noble, Garmin, Pantech, Sharp and Sony Ericsson. As with Apple specific products are named, like the Amazon Kindle and the BlackBerry Torch 9800.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2009
Patently Ignorant
Patent litigation is becoming a major $ joke. All inventions stand on the shoulders of the giants that came before them and it is completely stupid to pretend otherwise. When does God get his cut?