“Southampton-based touch sensor chip firm Quantum Research Group is taking legal action against Apple over the capacitive sensing technology used in iPod Click Wheels,” Steve Bush reports for Electronics Weekly.
“‘We are suing Apple over charge-transfer technology in iPods,’ Quantum’s CEO Hal Philipp told EW. ‘Some are based on Cypress’ PSoC chip and used in a way we believe infringes our patent.’ The legal action against Apple was initiated in December 2005 but all concerned have been keeping quiet about it until now,” Bush reports.
Bush reports, “Apple recently revealed that it filed an answer ‘denying all material allegations and asserting numerous affirmative defences.’ It also filed ‘counterclaims for non-infringement and invalidity,’ in July. ‘There are settlement discussions going on but I believe it will go to trial later this year,’ said Quantum’s Philipp. ‘I am hoping iPhone does not contain Quantum-patented charge-transfer technology.'”
“Philipp also made it clear that some iPods use a capacitive touch sensor from Synaptics, which does not infringe Quantum’s patents,” Bush reports.
Full article here.
Related articles:
With demand outstripping supply, Apple once again taps Synaptics for iPod Click Wheels – December 05, 2005
Cypress Semi seen boosted by Apple Pod nano growth – September 22, 2005