Apple sued over keyboard patent infringement in iPhone 11

An Ireland based-company has filed patent infringement complaints against several major tech companies including Apple over patents related to keyboard functionality and sensitivity.

According to WIPR:

Ireland-based Neodron has filed multiple patent infringement complaints against Apple, Amazon, AsusTek Computer, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Motorola and Sony, all related to keyboard functionality and sensitivity. Neodron has also filed a patent-infringement complaint with the US International Trade Commission (USITC), in an attempt to block the importation of touchscreen mobile devices (such as the iPhone, iPad and other types of tablets) made and sold by a raft of technology giants. In the lawsuits, it claims the companies are infringing four separate patents: 7,821,425 ("capacitive keyboard with non-locking reduced keying ambiguity); 7,903,092 ("capacitive keyboard with position dependent reduced keying ambiguity"); 8,749,251 ("proximity sensor"); and 9,411,472 ("touch sensor with adaptive touch detection").

The improvements covered range from "fundamental ones, which make basic touch technology work, to optional improvements, which typically represent one technological option that improves aspects of the user experience and functionality of a touchscreen". The patented improvement reportedly took "years of research" and millions of dollars in investment. The suit claims that Apple's iPhone 11 and iPad Pro (third-generation) directly infringe all four listed patents.

Neodrom is requesting a ruling confirming the companies listed have infringed these patents, as well as damages, costs, and expenses. As the report notes, it is also seeking to block the importation of these devices.