Texas based Data Engine Technologies has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Apple. Data Engine Technologies alleges that Apple is infringing on patent 5,463,724 which is a Borland International patent to which they claim in their complaint to "hold all the right, title and interest in." Specifically, Data Engine Technologies claims that Apple's spreadsheet application called "Numbers" infringes on their patent.
In Data Engine Technologies prayer for relief, the company asks the court to find "A judgment and order finding Apple's infringement is and/or has been willful and awarding treble the amount of damages and losses sustained by Data Engine as a result of Apple's infringement.
The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas Tyler Division. The presiding Judge in this case is noted as being Judge Leonard Davis. Data Engine Technologies appears to fit the classic definition of a Patent troll. A study found that 'Patent Trolls' cost tech companies $29 billion last year.
Notice
Patently Apple presents only a brief summary of certain legal cases/ lawsuits which are part of the public record for journalistic news purposes. Readers are cautioned that Patently Apple does not offer an opinion on the merit of the case and strictly presents the allegations made in said legal cases / lawsuits. A lawyer should be consulted for any further details or analysis. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments. On most legal cases, comments will be closed. See our Legal Archives for other patent infringement cases.
