Patent Infringement Cases in the Tech Industry

Patent infringement is a serious issue that affects the innovation and competition in the tech industry. In recent years, several high-profile cases have been filed or decided involving major tech companies and their rivals. Some of these cases are:

• Moderna vs. Pfizer: Moderna, the maker of one of the Covid-19 vaccines, sued Pfizer, another vaccine maker, for patent infringement in September 2022. Moderna claimed that Pfizer’s vaccine used its patented mRNA technology without authorization. Moderna had pledged not to enforce its patents during the pandemic, but later modified its pledge to say that it may enforce them in higher-income countries.
• VLSI vs. Intel: VLSI Technology, a company that acquired patents from NXP Semiconductors, won a $2.18 billion verdict against Intel, the chip giant, in March 2021. VLSI alleged that Intel infringed on two of its patents related to power management and clock speed in its processors. The verdict was the second-largest patent damages award in US history.
• Optis vs. Apple: Optis Wireless Technology, a company that licenses patents for wireless technology, obtained a $300 million verdict against Apple, the iPhone maker, in August 2021. Optis accused Apple of infringing on five of its patents related to 4G LTE technology in its devices. Apple argued that the patents were invalid and that Optis was seeking excessive royalties.
• Centripetal vs. Cisco: Centripetal Networks, a cybersecurity startup, sued Cisco, the network equipment maker, for patent infringement in 2018. Centripetal claimed that Cisco copied its technology for network protection and threat intelligence in its products. In October 2020, a judge awarded Centripetal $1.9 billion in damages, but the ruling was overturned in July 2021 due to a conflict of interest by the judge. The case is set to be retried.

These cases illustrate the importance of patent protection and enforcement for tech companies and their competitors. They also raise questions about the role of patent trolls, the impact of patent litigation on innovation and consumers, and the need for patent reform in the US and globally.

If you need help regarding your intellectual property, your business, your products and services, or other related intellectual property or business matters, contact Ahmadshahi Law Offices today and get an initial consultation.

Michael M. Ahmadshahi concentrates his practice on patents, trademarks copyrights, trade secrets and other intellectual property and business law. Call us toll free at (800) 747-6081 or direct at (949) 556-8800 or email mahmadshahi@mmaiplaw.com and let us help you with your IP and business matters.

Michael Ahmadshahi

Mr. Ahmadshahi’s area of practice is Intellectual Property Laws including Patent Prosecution and Litigation, Trademarks, Copyrights, Unfair Business Practices, and Business Litigation. He is also an entrepreneur and an inventor.