Kodak Files Patent Infringement Suits Against Apple, Research in Motion

[MacRumors]

Kodak today announced that it has filed suit against both Apple and Research in Motion for infringement of patents related to digital camera technology.

The Kodak complaint, filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), specifically claims that Apple's iPhones and RIM's camera-enabled BlackBerry devices infringe a Kodak patent that covers technology related to a method for previewing images. Separately, Kodak filed two suits today against Apple in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York that claim the infringement of patents related to digital cameras and certain computer processes.

Kodak, which invented the digital camera in 1975, claims that it seeks only what it considers proper compensation for the claimed intellectual property, noting that it has attempted to work with Apple and Research in Motion but has been unable to come to an agreement.

"In the case of Apple and RIM, we've had discussions for years with both companies in an attempt to resolve this issue amicably, and we have not been able to reach a satisfactory agreement. In light of that, we are taking this action to ensure that we protect the interests of our shareholders and the existing licensees of our technology.

"Our primary interest is not to disrupt the availability of any product but to obtain fair compensation for the use of our technology," Quatela said. "There's a basic issue of fairness that needs to be addressed. Those devices use Kodak technology, and we are merely seeking compensation for the use of our technology in their products."

Apple is also currently embroiled in a patent dispute with Nokia, one that has expanded to include multiple suits and countersuits and has resulted in Nokia seeking the halt of the importation of "virtually all" Apple products into the United States until the situation can be resolved.

Article Link: Kodak Files Patent Infringement Suits Against Apple, Research in Motion

 

[PeckhamBog]

I think they need to look at the big picture.

 

[BornAgainMac]

Should that include the Google Android too? What about Canon, Sony, and other digital cameras.

 

[theheadguy]

Let the Kodak bashing begin.

Should that include the Google Android too? What about Canon, Sony, and other digital cameras.

Yes, other companies make digital cameras...

"In the case of Apple and RIM, we've had discussions for years with both companies in an attempt to resolve this issue amicably..."

Maybe they made agreements with others?

I think they need to look at the big picture.

 

[jaw04005]

I guess the new bandwagon is to complain to the ITC? Apple made an actual digital camera in the mid-90’s. I wonder if Kodak sued them then?

Ah well, interesting nevertheless. The cost of doing business, I suppose.

 

[brofkand]

The QuickTakes were made by Kodak.

 

[Xavier]

If you sue enough times, eventually you'll win.... right?

 

[*LTD*]

LOL what else is new?

 

[CQd44]

...another LOLsuit?

 

[Mattie Num Nums]

Should that include the Google Android too? What about Canon, Sony, and other digital cameras.

Perhaps they have already paid the licensing fee that both Apple (again) and RIM have refused to pay

 

[mobi]

Koooooodaaaaaaak!

 

[talmy]

If you can't win in the marketplace, go to the courts!

It's a shame Kodak couldn't see what was coming and hung on to film technology too long. They could have owned the consumer camera market. And then they wouldn't need to go after every company with a camera and deep pockets.

 

[Mattie Num Nums]

everyone knows Apple is not at fault here just RIM.

 

[zombitronic]

I'm noticing a trend, here: Google finance

 

[jaw04005]

The QuickTakes were made by Kodak.

That would explain it. I believe Apple uses Kodak for their iPhoto printing products too. I know they used to at least.

I expect Apple will countersue Kodak with one of their overly broad patents, and both companies will eventually settle like always.

It’s a shame what Kodak’s become. Their brand name used to mean something, but Canon and Nikon have been kicking their butts for years.

 

[aeaglex07]

I'm noticing a trend, here: Google finance

LOL exactly.

 

[NAG]

everyone knows Apple is not at fault here just RIM.

Yup, thats what everyone here is say. Speaking of everyone, maybe you should stop talking to yourself, it isn't exactly healthy.

 

[iDisk]

Until we actually know the "compensation" amount, this sounds like a justified "patent infringement compensation" case.

 

[al2o3cr]

Read TFA, expecting some actual camera patents. Instead, I find craptastical software patents.

Die, software patents, die!

 

[DipDog3]

They can't compete with Apple so they sue instead.

 

[jnhwells]

Apple leads the way...

Well, you can tell Apple is in the lead because the other companies are kicking them in the rear!

 

[Small White Car]

You know how you can tell Kodak is right in this case?

It says Apple's been talking to them about this for years. This means Apple knows Kodak has a good case. If Kodak was just making stuff up then Apple would have just laughed at them and said "See you in court!" years ago.

Did Apple attempt to negotiate with Pystar for years? Yeah, didn't think so.

 

[dvince2]

They can't compete with Apple so they sue instead.

Can't compete? Last time I checked Kodak doesn't make a smart phone or webcams. They do however make camera technology, which apple has apparently stolen.

 

[iDisk]

They can't compete with Apple so they sue instead.

APPLE & KODAK DO NOT COMPETE ???


Kodak says it has licensed digital imaging technology to some 30 companies, including major players like Nokia, Samsung, LG and Motorola, and that all those companies currently pay royalties to Kodak over use of its patented technology.

"Kodak has a long history of digital imaging innovation and we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars creating our industry-leading patent portfolio. In the case of Apple and RIM, we?ve had discussions for years with both companies in an attempt to resolve this issue amicably, and we have not been able to reach a satisfactory agreement. In light of that, we are taking this action to ensure that we protect the interests of our shareholders and the existing licensees of our technology. Our primary interest is not to disrupt the availability of any product but to obtain fair compensation for the use of our technology. There?s a basic issue of fairness that needs to be addressed. Those devices use Kodak technology, and we are merely seeking compensation for the use of our technology in their products

Kodak wants royalties like every other company would if their technology was being used.

Apple would go after someone.

RIM would too.

Kodak just wants what the others are doing. Why is that so hard for a company to do?

 

[eastcoastsurfer]

If you can't win in the marketplace, go to the courts!

It's a shame Kodak couldn't see what was coming and hung on to film technology too long. They could have owned the consumer camera market. And then they wouldn't need to go after every company with a camera and deep pockets.

Pot, Kettle, Black...Apple does the EXACT same thing all of the time. The recent Pystar case is a great example. They were making something Apple refuses to make (a small affordable/expandable desktop). Instead of competing with their own desktop product, Apple sued them. Oh, Apple owns the copyright to OSX and can license however they want? Well Kodak owns these patents (actually stronger ownership since it's not copyright law) and can license them however they want. Apple has chosen not to and is now getting sued.

I think what we are seeing with a lot of these patent lawsuits is the arrogance of Apple thinking they don't have to play by the same rules as everyone else.