Apple and Qualcomm faced setbacks in their efforts to move a patent infringement case filed by Red Rock Analytics from Texas to California. Both their appeals were rejected by U.S. District Judge Alan Albright and the Federal Circuit Court, forcing the lawsuit to proceed in Texas, which is often more favorable to patent owners. Red Rock Analytics, a non-practicing entity often referred to as a patent troll, filed this lawsuit in 2021, targeting the companies over U.S. Patent No.
7,346,313. This lawsuit has resurfaced after simulating interest since its initiation. Historically, Apple has contended with numerous similar lawsuits aimed at its products, underscoring the ongoing challenges tech giants face from patent trolls.
The details surrounding Red Rock are limited, as they have previously engaged in litigation against other major tech companies, including Samsung, over the same patent. An injunction against Apple was initially sought in 2019, reinforcing the long-standing nature of this patent dispute. The 2019 case specifically cited products ranging from the iPhone 7 to the iPhone X, while the more recent lawsuit includes the iPhone 12 among the targeted devices.
The patent in question pertains to a calibration system for balancing in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals in radio transceivers. Notably, Qualcomm’s products, like the SMR526, SDR865, and SDX55M, were also named in the original case. Red Rock is pursuing a jury trial and has requested a variety of resolutions, such as enjoinments to prevent both Apple and Qualcomm from further infringing on the patent.
Additionally, they seek damages and royalty payments, highlighting the financial stakes involved in this ongoing legal battle.
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