The Chinese company is claiming nearly $ 1.4 billion as well as stopping the marketing of products using Siri.
If there is one patent on which Apple is regularly sued, it is on Siri. A first trial opened in 2012 by Shanghai Zhizhen Network Technology Co, Apple then counterattacked two years later, with a lawsuit against the same company. An action-reaction game that had experienced a hiatus of a few years, before resuming with a vengeance this week.
It is again the Shanghai Zhizhen Network Technology Co Ltd, specialized in artificial intelligence, which provokes the Cupertino company. The complainants claim that Apple used one of its patents relating to a virtual assistant similar to Siri. In addition to claiming 10 million Yen (or $ 1.43 billion), the Chinese company is demanding that Apple stop “making, using, promising to sell, selling and importing” products that use this patent. Thus, Apple would be forced to stop all sales altogether. Indeed, the vast majority of its products provide Siri integration.
The decision that will be rendered risks giving rise to new trials. Apple intends to defend its virtual assistant body and soul. Acquired in 2010 for the modest sum of $ 200 million, Siri should nevertheless continue to be marketed by Apple. The Chinese company declares for its part that its patent dates well before the acquisition of Siri by the headed firm. One thing is certain: the case is not likely to be closed anytime soon …
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