Complaints involve image transmission

Kodak today filed two patent lawsuits against Apple and HTC, Bloomberg reports. Shared in common between the two cases are four patents involving image transmission; one example involves a method of sharing images directly from a camera. HTC is accused of violating a fifth patent, related to image previews.

That patent is notably the same one at the core of a Kodak complaint with the US International Trade Commission, directed at Apple and Research in Motion. A decision in that matter isn't expected until September 21st, though, which may mute its influence on the HTC case. Kodak first filed lawsuits against Apple and RIM in January 2010; it has separately managed to secure royalty deals from LG and Samsung based on its claims.

Kodak may be motivated largely by survival. The company today announced a major restructuring effort, in order to stave off bankruptcy. It has reduced three segments into two, Agence France-Presse reports, one being focused on the public, the second on professionals. The firm has struggled to maintain relevance in an era of digital photography.

By Electronista Staff