This legal action is LS Cable's first against Apple in the U.S. and could result in significant financial consequences for the tech giant if successful
Apple is facing a legal challenge from South Korean company LS Cable & Systems over allegations of patent infringement related to wireless charging technology. LS Cable filed a lawsuit this month in the U.S. District Court in California, accusing Apple of using its patented wireless charging method without permission.
The patent in question, US8013568, was registered by LS Cable in 2011 and covers technology that enables devices to charge without the need for a physical connection. The lawsuit claims that Apple has incorporated this technology into various products, including iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods, without compensating LS Cable.
LS Cable’s involvement in wireless charging goes back several years. In 2011, the company introduced a smartphone cover capable of wirelessly charging both the iPhone 4 and Samsung Galaxy S2. Two years later, they unveiled a super-thin wireless charging module for smartphones. By 2017, Apple launched its own wireless charging pad, AirPower, though it was ultimately cancelled due to overheating issues.
LS Cable claims that Apple adopted their technology, particularly a wireless charging chip from Broadcom, which is central to the technology the company argues was copied. According to the lawsuit, LS Cable reached out to Apple multiple times beginning in 2019 to address the alleged patent infringement, but received no response.
This lawsuit marks LS Cable’s first legal action against Apple in the United States and could have significant financial implications for the tech giant if it prevails. If LS Cable wins the case, Apple could be forced to pay a substantial sum in damages. The case has drawn attention in the tech world, with many closely watching how this legal battle over wireless charging technology will unfold.
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