4 Smartflash, LLC. vs. Apple
Originally filed back in May, 2013, Smartflash lodged a multi-pronged complaint against Apple, saying that the tech giant’s digital music management software, iTunes, incorporated three of the firm’s patented ideas — specifically covering digital rights management, data storage, and mobile payment systems — allegations which Apple vehemently denied all along.
In February of 2015, meanwhile, a federal judge appointed to the Eastern Texas District Court ultimately handed down a judgment ordering Apple to pay $532.9 million to the patent-licensing only firm. And while that sum is in itself substantial, not only was Smartflash initially seeking as much as $852 in damages, but, as it usually does in these cases, Apple has already appealed the decision while calling for sweeping reform to the patent system.