Protecting your patents is no small matter, especially when the world’s largest corporations covet them. Companies may overstep their bounds when trying to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of international technology, but your patents can grant you certain protections. Guarding your claims is essential for doing business in the technology field, as long as the courts see things your way.
A Texas federal jury decided that Apple, Inc. owes a collection of telecom companies over $506 million for infringing on patents. The companies alleged that they tried to reach an agreement on a worldwide license, but the technology giant would not enter into a deal. The result has the plaintiffs set to collect.
Taking technology
The systems in question refer to 4G LTE capabilities that give devices access to data networks. The coalition of companies declared that Apple used their patented technology on iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches sold around the globe without their permission.
The group first sought a licensing agreement in 2017 but finally filed a lawsuit in 2019 when they said Apple was acting in bad faith during negotiations. Apple, in turn, argued that the patents were invalid. In the end, they were unable to prove the claims erroneous, and the jury found that they willfully infringed on five patents. Apple is now planning to appeal the order to pay the missing royalties.
Protecting patents
Protecting your innovations can be a never-ending requirement. It is not always easy to know when someone is stepping into your territory, but it’s essential to act when another entity moves in on your patents.
