Apple used two telecommunications patents in devices, including the iPhone and iPad, without permission, as ruled by London’s Court of Appeal. This decision came after the court rejected the tech giant’s appeal in an ongoing dispute with a US patent holder.
In 2019, Texas-based Optis Cellular Technology initiated a legal action against Apple, asserting that the tech giant had employed patents essential for 4G cellphone technology, as reported by Reuters.
The High Court in London determined last year that two 4G patents held by Optis were essential for 4G technology in mobile phones, concluding that Apple had violated the law by using them.
In May, Apple contested the ruling, contending that the two patents were non-essential to 4G technology and did not infringe upon patent law.
Nevertheless, the Court of Appeal dismissed Apple’s appeal, with Judge Colin Birss stating in a written ruling that the High Court was justified in rejecting Apple’s argument, emphasising the necessity of these patents for Apple’s technology.
Apple and Optis have not responded immediately to a request for comment.
Tuesday’s ruling marks the latest development in the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Optis, which commenced in 2019 and has resulted in six separate trials and numerous appeal hearings in Britain.
Last month, an appeals court sustained Optis’ appeal challenging a previous ruling that nullified two extra patents linked to 4G technology. This decision followed an October ruling in which Optis was granted an injunction to prevent Apple from using Optis’ patents until the court established fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms of use.
Earlier this year, Apple received permission to appeal the October decision.
Apple Reached a Value of 3 Trillion Dollars
The American technology company Apple has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first corporation in the world to surpass a valuation of $3 Trillion at the close of the stock exchange.
According to The Wall Street Journal, this achievement underscores the enduring impact of the iPhone, a smartphone that revolutionises life and global commerce.
Originating in a California garage as a computer company, Apple has a value twice the worth of its former rival, Google, and is seven times more valuable than the oil giant Exxon Mobil, which held the title of the world’s most valuable company for an extended period.
Apple’s stocks have experienced a surge in value this year, driven by growing demand in emerging markets such as India. Additionally, introducing a new product, the AR glasses Vision Pro, priced at $3,499, has contributed to this growth. These glasses seamlessly blend virtual reality with the capability to integrate digital content into the physical world.
Since the beginning of the year, the value of Apple shares has surged by nearly 50 per cent.
