Apple Requests Approval to Sue Kodak Into Oblivion
More ugly news for Eastman Kodak, in a month filled with it. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and shuttering its digital camera business, the company now finds itself in Apple’s crosshairs.
Apple late Tuesday asked a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York for permission to sue the photography pioneer for allegedly infringing patents related to technologies used in printers, digital cameras and digital picture frames. If the court gives its approval, Apple intends to file a complaint against Kodak at the International Trade Commission, and a suit in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, as well. Its aim: An order blocking Kodak’s infringement and an ITC bar on the importation of certain Kodak devices.
An unfortunate turn of events for Kodak, which really seems to have brought all this upon itself. Back in 2010, Kodak sued Apple, claiming the iPhone infringes a Kodak patent related to previewing images. But Apple argues that it is the true owner of the patents, and that Kodak pilfered some of its IP when the two companies were exploring how best to commercialize Apple’s digital camera technologies back in the early ’90s.
So, as I said, ugly news for the beleagured Kodak, which is clearly in a poor financial position to defend itself against such claims.