Company Sues Apple over Entire iPhone Concept

Generally, lawsuits filed on patent grounds claim that parts of a product infringe on one or more inventions. Not the suit filed by NetAirus Technologies against Apple Inc., in which the former claims the entire iPhone concept is infringing on one of its patents. Frankly, pretty much every smartphone out there fits the description, but we’ll let the court decide whether or not NetAirus’ case holds water.

NetAirus Technologies (which, apparently, doesn’t even have a website) has slammed Apple with a strange lawsuit, to say the least, The Loop reports. Its series of claims, which could be used against almost any smartphone vendor today, are comprised in a filing with the Central District of California Western Division. According to The Loop, the iPhone infringes on patent ‘380 belonging to NetAirus Technologies, which vaguely describes a “Wireless Handset Communication System” as follows:

“A small light weight modular microcomputer based computer and communications systems, designed for both portability and desktop uses. The systems make use of a relative large flat panel display device assembly (2), an expandable hinge device (10), battery power source (9), keyboard assembly (16), and wireless communications devices (32, 51). The systems are capable of bi-directional realtime communications of voice, audio, text, graphics and video data. Both wire-based or wireless communications methods and devices are implemented. Wireless communications devices may include one or more telephone-like handsets (14) and/or earset (34). The wireless communication devices may include one or more antennae (32). Systems can be configured in a portable arrangement similar to conventional notebook computers, but can be quickly and easily disassembled and re-assembled for office desktop uses. Systems may consist of a base computer unit (100) comprising wireless communication devices may act as a relay station relaying voice and other data between the handset or earset and external wide area communications networks. The system may be capable of performing, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, conventional notebook computer, desktop computer functions.”

Claiming that all current iPhone models infringe on this invention, NetAirus wants to be paid in cash for (unspecified) damages, and an injunction to stop Apple from making and selling iPhones. Softpedia (ironically) wishes NetAirus Technologies good luck with that!