Apple Sued for Touchscreen Patent Infringement

By Evan Mix

Published on February 20, 2009

On Friday, two small Scottish technology companies filed a lawsuit against Apple, Inc. alleging patent infringement related to touchscreen function in the computer company's popular handheld devices. Picsel (Research) Ltd. and Picsel Technologies Ltd., based in Glasgow, Scotland, do not seek specific damages, but claim that they invested millions of dollars to develop the technology in question.

The iPhone and iPod Touch, developed and marketed by Apple, incorporate a technology that enables rapid re-drawing of screen graphics, allowing users to zoom and pan through documents, web pages, and other content on an advanced touchscreen interface. This function is integral to the function of both the iPhone and iPod touch, and has been prominently featured in the company's marketing campaigns for both devices.

The lawsuit is one of more than 20 currently faced by Apple, according to a November regulatory filing. The company issued a statement at that time citing fast-paced technological advancement, quick patent issuance, and extensive patent coverage for any inadvertent patent infringement on its part.

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