Kodak sues Apple, RIM over alleged infringements

Photography giant Kodak has filed patent infringement lawsuits against tech companies Apple and Research In Motion, claiming they violated patents relating to digital imaging technologies.

The company said in papers filed with the Federal Court, and the International Trade Commission, that the iPhone and BlackBerry infringe on patents designed to allow users to preview images.

“Kodak has a long history of digital imaging innovation and we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars creating our industry leading patent portfolio,” Laura Quatela, Kodak’s chief intellectual property officer, said in a statement.

“In the case of Apple and RIM, we’ve had discussions for years with both companies in an attempt to resolve this issue amicably, and we have not been able to reach a satisfactory agreement. In light of that, we are taking this action to ensure that we protect the interests of our shareholders and the existing licensees of our technology.”

Kodak said it does not want to disrupt the use of the technology, but rather receive compensation.