Tag: Legal dispute

  • Jury Fines Microsoft $242 Million for Cortana Patent Infringement

    Jury Fines Microsoft $242 Million for Cortana Patent Infringement

    A US jury has imposed a substantial fine of $242 million (approximately ¥1.75 billion) on Microsoft for infringing on a patent. The ruling, delivered in Delaware on May 10, resulted from a lawsuit brought by IPA Technologies in 2018.

    Microsoft to Challenge Jury's Decision

    Microsoft intends to challenge the jury's decision, which alleged that Microsoft's Cortana voice assistant violated IPA's patent related to voice recognition technology in computer communication software. Initially, the lawsuit encompassed multiple IPA patents, but eventually focused on a specific one. Microsoft contended that they did not breach the patent and that the patent itself was invalid.

    Background and Acquisition of Patents

    IPA Technologies, a subsidiary of Wi-LAN, obtained the disputed patent from SRI International's Siri Company. Subsequently, Apple acquired Siri Company and its technology in 2010, incorporating it into their Siri voice assistant.

    Microsoft's Response and Future Actions

    Microsoft has expressed its intention to appeal the verdict, stating, "We firmly believe we did not infringe." IPA and Wi-LAN have yet to provide any public statements regarding the matter.

    IPA Technologies has a history of legal action in this domain, having previously sued Google and Amazon over comparable patents. Amazon effectively defended itself in 2021, whereas the case involving Google remains ongoing.

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  • Huawei vs. US: Epic Legal Battle Set for 2026

    Huawei vs. US: Epic Legal Battle Set for 2026

    Amid continued efforts between the Department of Justice and Chinese technology giant Huawei to settle their ongoing legal battle, both efforts appear to have run into difficulty, leading to reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters of an imminent trial set for January 2026.

    Settlement Talks Stalled

    At an ongoing hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan LaMarca informed U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly about stalled settlement discussions; consequently, Judge Donnelly suggested commencing trial at the beginning of January 2026 as a result.

    Trial Expectations

    Prosecuters anticipate that due to its complex nature, Huawei, represented by Douglas Axel, will agree with Prosecutors’ proposed timeline leading up to trial.

    This legal dispute began with a sealed indictment filed in 2018, where Huawei faced allegations including deceiving banks regarding business transactions in Iran as well as conspiring to take trade secrets from competitors.

    An important event was Huawei CFO Sabrina Meng’s arrest by U.S. authorities in Canada in December 2018 following their request; four years later she was freed as part of an agreement reached between these and U.S. authorities that led to charges being dismissed against her and was set free in September 2021.

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  • Epic Games Developer Account Reinstated by Apple After EU Intervention

    Epic Games Developer Account Reinstated by Apple After EU Intervention

    In a notable development amid the legal conflict between Epic Games and Apple, the tech giant has reinstated Epic Games’ developer account. This decision by Apple follows prompt intervention from the European Commission, marking a pivotal moment in the dispute that has persisted since 2020.

    A Breakthrough in a Long-Standing Dispute

    Since 2020, Epic and Apple have been embroiled in a legal battle. Epic Games accused Apple of violating U.S. antitrust laws by imposing fees of up to 30% on in-app purchases made on its iOS devices. Despite Epic’s attempts to contest Apple’s regulations, the court ruled against them. Epic’s intentional breach of Apple’s rules led to the gaming company being barred from Apple’s devices.

    Regulatory Influence and Reinstatement

    Recent events saw Apple initially preventing Epic Games from launching its online marketplace and reintroducing Fortnite in Europe. However, pressure from European regulators and the enforcement of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) caused Apple to reverse its decision.

    The DMA, which prohibits Apple and Google from controlling app distribution on devices with iOS and Android operating systems, played a vital role in Apple’s compliance. The involvement of the European Commission prompted Apple to restore Epic’s developer account, enabling them to operate their game store in Europe and bring Fortnite back to iOS devices in the region.

    Implications and Outlook

    The reinstatement carries broader significance, indicating a shift in Apple’s App Store business model and showcasing the effectiveness of regulatory bodies such as the European Commission in holding tech giants accountable. Epic Games and the EU’s industry chief, Thierry Breton, have both expressed contentment with Apple’s decision, stressing the importance of upholding DMA regulations.

    Epic Games CEO, Tim Sweeney, welcomed the restoration of the developer account, interpreting it as a positive signal to developers regarding DMA enforcement. Apple, upon confirming the decision, mentioned that Epic has agreed to abide by DMA policies, leading to the reinstatement of their developer agreement.

    Looking forward, Epic Games is gearing up to move ahead with its initiatives to launch the Epic Games Store and Fortnite on iOS devices in Europe, marking a significant advancement in resolving the discord between the two entities.

    The reinstatement of Epic Games’ developer account by Apple, following EU involvement, signifies a breakthrough in the ongoing legal saga, highlighting the impact of regulatory supervision in the tech sector.

    Epic Games Developer Account Reinstated by Apple After EU Intervention
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