Apple Loses Patent Infringement Case Over Time Machine & Cover Flow, Challenges Verdict

Apple has made it clear that they will challenge the recent verdict against the company, involving patent infringement. Mirror Worlds LLC filed the lawsuit back in 2008, basing their allegations that Apple had infringed upon patents for creating "streams" of documents sorted by time. While the specifics of the ruling are unavailable at this time, a federal jury ruled against Apple on Friday, forcing them to potentially pay a substantial sum.

Mirror World's patents were based on research by Professor David Gelernter, from Yale University, as well as doctoral student at the time, Eric Freeman. The lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of Texas. While the details aren't as vast as we'd like, the resulting verdict means that Apple has been ordered to pay "as much as $625.5 million to Mirror Worlds." Due to the verdict, Apple has requested an emergency stay with U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis, saying that there is an issue with two out of the three.

Apple also notes that Mirror Worlds would be "triple dipping," if it were to collect amounts from each patent. And while the trial focused specifically on Apple's Spotlight, Cover Flow, and Time Machine features, it looks like the results weren't all that one-sided. It's also not surprising that the lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of Texas, which has a higher than average claimant win percentage, and an overall better chance of going to trial.

On a side note, Apple requested to "rule the company doesn't infringe two of the patents." The request was filed prior to the recent verdict, so the Judge is said to be considering it.

[via AppleInsider]