Apple’s A7 Processor Targeted in new Patent Lawsuit by University of Wisconsin

[RaduTyrsina]

​

We’re used to seeing Apple sue other companies for infringing the plethora of patents that the Cupertino Company owns, but from time to time, there are opposite situations when Apple is the defendant. Patently Apple has discovered a patent infringement lawsuit filed by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation against Apple, concerning Apple’s newest A7 processor and the products that it powers – the flagship iPhone 5s, iPad Air, and iPad mini with Retina display.

WARF’s formal complaint before the court states that “This is an action for infringement of a patent awarded to computer scientists for their work at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. The patent is owned by the plaintiff, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (“WARFâ€), the designated patent management organization of the University of Wisconsin – Madison. WARF’s mission is to support research and scholarship at the University. Since 1925, WARF has used the revenue from patents developed by University researchers to support the University’s on-going educational and research work.

WARF is the patent licensing arm of the University of Wisconsin and it alleges that computer scientists Andreas Moshovos, Scott Breach, Terani Vijaykumar, and Gurindar Sohi invented the technology which is deeply embedded inside the A7 while at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

The foundation accuses Apple of implementing the patent’s technology in the company’s new 64-bit A7 processor. According to the University of Wisconsin, Apple was aware of the patent’s existence because it is cited in several newer patents issued to Apple. WARF’s intentions are pretty serious, as it seeks an injunction preventing Apple from further using the technology without a license. Besides this, it asks for monetary damages which include interest and legal fees.

Source: iPhoneForums