Once part of Nuance Communications (which powered Siri‘s speech recognition in its early years), Cerence is now a subsidiary that, according to its website, works with bringing “conversational AI to the automotive world and beyond.” Today, Cerence filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing it of infringing multiple patents.Here are the details.In its complaint, filed with the U.S.
District Court for the Western District of Texas, Cerence says that it contacted Apple in 2021 regarding “the potential acquisition of or license to” multiple patents, including for mobile text entry and wake word technology.Clarence says it offered Apple multiple documents, including: An overview of its patent portfolio; Spreadsheets showing that Apple had cited Cerence in some of its own patent applications, some of which were denied due to Cerence already holding related patents; Charts mapping Cerence’s patents to Apple’s products and features that allegedly infringed its patents.Cerence says that it held limited discussions with Apple that year, “but no resolution was reached concerning the mobile text entry patent portfolio.” But which patents are at issue? In a nutshell, patents related to virtual keyboards, and “Hey Siri.” From the complaint: Cerence is asking the Texas court to declare that Apple infringed these patents, block it from further infringement, and order it to pay damages, ongoing licensing fees, and more.
Cerence is also asking for a jury trial.It is worth noting that the U.S.District Court for the Western District of Texas has historically been known as a friendlier venue for patent holders, so Apple could be in for a challenging dispute.
Accessory deals on Amazon
Apple AirTag 4 Pack, 19% off
Apple AirTag, 17% off
Beats USB-C to USB-C Woven Short Cable, 19% off
Wireless CarPlay adapter, $10 off
You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
