Patent Troll Uniloc Hits Apple with Absurd Lawsuit

Apple-Watch-Series-2 Credit: Apple
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Uniloc, the ultimate patent troll who’s previously hit Apple with a wide range of patent infringement lawsuits, was back again on Friday with its latest allegation against the tech-giant. Uniloc claims that the Apple Watch infringes on the firm’s existing licensed patents covering “exercise monitoring” hardware equipment, as first reported by the International Business Times.

According to documents filed with the patent troll-friendly Eastern Texas District Court, Uniloc claims that Apple’s Watch Series 2, Series 3, and Apple Watch Nike+ infringe on its “Exercise Monitoring Systems and Methods” patent (No. 6,736,759), of which the firm maintains it is the “exclusive licensee.” And as such, Uniloc is also claiming ownership of ?”all substantial rights” as they apply to the patent, which includes the right to “grant sub-licenses,” the lawsuit notes.

Apple imports, offers for sale, and sells in the United States electronic watches that incorporate components to monitor and display the device’s location (GPS) and human exercise activity” court documents note, adding that “Apple has infringed, and continues to infringe [by making, using, offering for sale, selling and/or importing] the Accused Infringing Devices.”

It’s unclear what kind of damages or restitution Uniloc is seeking in this case — but the mere fact that it’s even a case should be the least bit surprising. Uniloc is a known patent troll, having previously opened multiple lawsuits against Apple — targeting just about everything from the company’s fast battery charging technology on the iPhone 6s, its proprietary iMessage and FaceTime communications platforms, as well as the fourth-generation Apple TV, Siri remote, and multiple continuity features like AirPlay.

While Uniloc has been handed a few “victories” so far in its ludicrous legal tangent, the firm has yet to actually walk away with any compensation from Apple.  Therefore, it’s very unlikely Uniloc’s lawsuit will amount to anything meaningful this time.

This case itself comes just after another completely unrelated lawsuit, albeit seemingly legitimate, regarding Apple’s  new “Animoji” feature, which the company is accused of using without the license to market iPhone X’ clever 3D emoji animation feature. It seems that when the apple is this big, everyone wants a slice.

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