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Apple Sued Over Alleged Face ID Patent Infringement
Developing
In Short: Apple is now facing a new legal challenge as BASF, a subsidiary of the German chemical giant, has sued the company in the United States, alleging that dozens of iPhone and iPad models infringe on its patented face authentication technology.
According to the lawsuit, TrinamiX, a subsidiary of BASF, is accusing Apple of infringing seven patents related to face authentication technology used in Face ID, specifically targeting newer iPhones and iPads that incorporate material and skin detection.
Apple's published explanation of Face ID highlights the complexity of the technology, which involves several distinct areas of engineering, but the lawsuit does not provide a complete list of accused devices or specify a damages demand.
The complaint alleges that Apple knew or should have known of the high probability that updating its iPhones and iPads to incorporate Face ID using material and skin detection infringed seven trinamiX patents, causing substantial damages and irreparable injury.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Face ID technology is facing a new legal challenge after BASF sued Apple in the United States, alleging that dozens of iPhone and iPad models infringe its patented face authentication technology.
- BASF also described patent protection for an underlying technology called Beam Profile Analysis.
- According to Apple, Face ID data is encrypted and protected by the Secure Enclave.
- The filing represents BASF’s allegations, not a finding that infringement occurred.
- A patent case can turn on a particular part of that process, even when the feature looks effortless from the outside.
- TrinamiX is asking the court to find that Apple infringed its patents, to block Apple from making, using, selling, offering for sale, or importing the accused products, and to award damages and attorneys' fees.
- Apple's four new iPhones feature more differences between the latest models than ever before, so which one should you buy?
Sources
- AppleMagazinelink