Kodak sues Apple and RIM over patent infringement

On February 17, 2010, the U.S. International Trade Commission said that it is going to look into the matter of patent infringement complaint filed by Eastman Kodak against Apple and RIM. In January 2010, Kodak filed complaint against Apple and RIM for possible patent infringement in the U.S District Court for the Western District of New York. Kodak claimed that the cameras of iPhone and BlackBerry are using Kodak’s technology without its authorization. Channel Web reports:

The first lawsuit concerns the iPhone's image preview and resolution technologies, and Kodak also claims Apple is illegally using technology that allows computer programs to "ask for help" from other programs.

Kodak is also asking ITC to ban Apple and RIM from importing devices that feature Kodak’s technology.

Kodak said that it is open to settlement talks with the two companies. In the past, it also showed flexibility in resolving patent issues. The multinational company, headquartered in New York, anticipates an yearly revenue between $250 million and $350 million in the next few years from licensing its technology. In 2009, the company earned roughly about $7.6 billion.