Patent suit targets Apple

A new lawsuit has targeted Apple, Sony and Nintendo, for allegedly infringing on patents involving technology used in the iPhone, Wii and PS2, among others. The plaintiff, Shared Memory Graphics LLC, holds U.S. Patent No. 5,712,664 that describes a "shared memory graphics accelerator system."

The '664 patent involves technology for enhancing graphics by integrating part of the frame-buffer storage space and the graphics accelerator on the same chip. The system also allows the frame buffer size to be expanded by separate memory components. The filing also cites a second patent that builds upon the '664 claims.

The technology initially was patented by Alliance Semiconductor, although it was eventually sold to a holding company. Shared Memory Graphics was formed just last month and received rights to both patents.

The attorneys accuse Apple of infringing on the patent by using the related technology in the iPhone and iPod touch. Both products utilize PowerVR MBX Lite systems, which allegedly combine on-chip and off-chip frame-buffer memory technology protected by the patent claims.

Nintendo has been targeted because of graphics acceleration systems used in its Wii and GameCube devices. The accusations involving Sony relate to the PSP and PS2 gaming devices.

The plaintiff's attorneys are fighting for a "reasonable royalty" from each company, along with enhanced damages from Sony. The filing also demands an injunction to prevent further infringement, or royalties to compensate for future infringement.

The case is still in the very beginning stages, leaving the defendants time to fight for dismissal or negotiate licensing agreements. Despite the availability of each product for years, the filing does not suggest the companies were previously notified of the infringement or provided an opportunity to negotiate privately.

by MacNN Staff