iPhone targeted in patent infringement suits

Apple's iPhone is the target of three new lawsuits that claim the computing giant infringed on patented technologies to develop the smartphone's camera, content streaming and ebook display technologies. A suit filed in Texas by software developer Accolade Systems contends camera sensor technologies created by Aptina Imaging and Micron violate Accolade's circuit design patent, and because the Aptina/Micron solution is integrated into the iPhone's 2-megapixel camera, Apple is named in the suit as well. Accolade is seeking an injunction against Apple and unspecified damages.

Another lawsuit filed in Texas, this one from Monster Worldwide subsidiary Affinity Labs, alleges Apple technology infringes on three patents for wirelessly transmitting voicemail and music content to portable devices. In addition, Affinity contends Apple's iTunes and App Store utilize proprietary technology for browsing, downloading and transferring content.

Apple is also in the legal crosshairs of Switzerland-based communications company Monec Holding, which filed suit in Virginia to allege the iPhone's ebook display technology violates its patent for a "lightweight" electronic device with a "touch-screen" LCD display. Although there have been several ebook reader applications available in the App Store for some time, Information Week theorizes the Monec lawsuit is likely triggered by online retailer Amazon.com's recent announcement it will sell ebooks via iPhone. Earlier this month, Discovery Communications filed suit against Amazon, alleging its Kindle wireless ereader device includes security and copy protection features that violate Discovery patents.