Lawsuit says iPhone, other Apple devices infringe on wireless patents , details

Apple has been hit with a lawsuit alleging that virtually all its products that support Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity violate a set of wireless communication patents.

The complaint, lodged in the US District Court for the Western District of Texas, claims that Apple products — like iPhones and iPads — infringe on specific claims in 13 different patents owned by non-practicing entity Smart Mobile, LLC.

Virtually all of the patents share a common specification and several of them are continuation-in-part of a patent application filed in 1999, AppleInsider stated.

The patents deal with wireless communications systems and devices that have voice and data communications capabilities, devices with the ability to switch dynamically between wireless networks and devices that can connect to a server to enhance their functionality

The complaint also calls out certain Apple wireless technology features like multi-path TCP (MPTCP) and MIMO.

The first technology allows a device to support the use of cellular and Wi-Fi networks simultaneously, while the latter uses a multi-antenna system to enhance wireless connection.

In the complaint, the plaintiff demands a jury trial. It also wants damages, a permanent injunction not allowing Apple from manufacturing or selling the alleged infringing products, and other prayers for relief.