Kodak files patent infringement suits against Apple, RIM

Eastman Kodak, the imaging, photographic materials and equipment company has filed lawsuits against Apple Inc. and Research In Motion Limited (RIM), alleging that both the companies' smartphones infringe on the patents of its digital imaging technology.

Kodak yesterday said that it has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC), claiming that Apple's iPhones and RIM's camera-enabled BlackBerry devices infringe a Kodak patent that covers technology related to a method for previewing images.

Separately, Kodak filed two suits yesterday against Apple in the US District Court for the Western District of New York, claiming that the maker of iPhone infringed its patents related to digital cameras and certain computer processes.

''Kodak has a long history of digital imaging innovation and we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars creating our industry-leading patent portfolio,'' said Laura G. Quatela, chief intellectual property officer, and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company.

''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.

''Our primary interest is not to disrupt the availability of any product but to obtain fair compensation for the use of our technology,'' Quatela said. ''There's a basic issue of fairness that needs to be addressed. Those devices use Kodak technology, and we are merely seeking compensation for the use of our technology in their products.''