Seeks block on Apple use of concepts

Seattle-based Cequint, a division of TNS, is suing Apple over two patents for caller ID technology, Bloomberg reports. The company is pursuing unspecified damages, as well as a court order that would halt Apple's use of the patented concepts. "Cequint has been damaged by Apple’s infringement," and will be "irreparably harmed" unless the court intervenes, according to the complaint. As is standard, Apple has yet to comment on the matter.

Cequint is notably closely involved with US carriers, and vendors of phones based on Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone. T-Mobile for instance uses Cequint caller ID tech for Name ID, while Verizon applies it in the City ID app pre-installed on its Android phones. Some other major partners include Qualcomm, LG, Sony, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Google.

The patents in question cover showing the location of a caller, as well as related decoding and processing going on behind the scenes. The case is being handled through the US District Court in Wilmington, Delaware.

By Electronista Staff