Apparent NPE Sonrai Memory Brings Suit Against Apple
18 JULY 2022 - There may be a new patent troll on the scene. Apple Insider has word of a new patent infringement suit against Apple, targeting the Cupertino-company’s “A-series, M-series, and T-series chipsets.” Two patents are said by the plaintiff to be infringed: A 2005 patent titled “Chip multiprocessor with multiple operating systems,” and a 2004 patent called “Variable charge pump circuit with dynamic load.”
You know, that second one sounds like a porn title in a cyberpunk novel. But I digress.
The suit was brought by Sonrai Memory Limited. “Limited,” it seems, to suing people. Apple Insider says a few things mark the company as a non-practicing entity (aka - NPE, aka patent troll). Among the markers:
The patents over which it’s suing were not applied for by Sonrai, but acquired - one from HP and one from the semiconductor firm Atmel
It shares an address and board members with a number of known NPEs, according to the report
It’s racking up the lawsuits, having brought charges against Google, LG, Lenovo, Samsung, and Western Digital since this time last year
It’s now looking for a cut from Apple. Filed in the patent-holder-friendly U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the Apple Insider piece says:
The filing demands damages, costs, expenses, interest, a judgment for ongoing licensing fees, and “reasonable attorneys' fees.” A trial by jury is also requested.
It’s kind of funny in a way. “We need a lot of money because going after you for a lot of money? It’s costing us a lot of money.”