<
Back to Previous Page
Burst.com Files Patent Infringement Suit Against Apple Computer
Santa Rosa, Calif. – Burst.com, Inc. (OTC: BRST) Announced that it has filed counterclaims accusing Apple Computer of infringing four of Burst’s U.S. patents. In the counterclaims, filed in Federal District Court in San Francisco on Monday, April 17th, Burst alleges that Apple’s iTunes Music Store, iTunes software, the iPod devices, and Apple’s QuickTime Streaming products infringe Burst’s U.S. Patents 4,963,995; 5,995,705; 5,057,932 and 5,164,839. Burst’s filing responds to a suit that Apple filed against Burst in January of this year, seeking a declaration that Burst’s patents are invalid and that Apple does not infringe them. Burst requests in its counterclaims that Apple pay a reasonable royalty for Apple’s infringing products and services, and also seeks an injunction against further infringement.
Burst.com is represented in the action against Apple by San Francisco law firm Hosie McArthur, who also represented Burst in its successful litigation against Microsoft Corporation. In March 2005, Microsoft settled that litigation by paying Burst $60 million for a non-exclusive license to Burst’s patents. Burst has also expanded its legal team in the Apple litigation to include attorneys from the Seattle office of Susman Godfrey, LLP, as well as Houston-based intellectual property firm Heim, Payne & Chorush, LLP. Also representing Burst is Palo Alto-based intellectual property firm Carr & Ferrell, LLP.
Burst.com Chairman & CEO Richard Lang indicated that the company would rather not have to resort to litigation, but is committed to enforcing its patent portfolio, which was developed over an 18-year period. In its April 17 filing, Burst alleges that its technology has been essential to Apple’s success, providing it with a critical audio and video-on-demand media delivery solution. According to Lang, “We have a responsibility to protect our patents and to seek a fair return for the many years and tremendous investment that we have made in developing Burst technology and patents.”
Call Our Toll Free: (888) 275-2757 or Contact Us Online For a No-Obligation Consultation |
