Vancouver predictive text developer WordLogic Corporation (WLC) filed a patent infringement lawsuit July 14 against TouchType Ltd., WLC announced July 17.
TouchType is the maker of SwiftKey, a popular app that applies autocorrect and next-word prediction to texting functions on Android devices. The suit was filed at the United States District Court in Seattle.
The lawsuit alleges that SwiftKey infringes on a WLC patent named “Method, System, Apparatus and Computer-Readable Media for Directing Input Associated with Keyboard-Type Device.”
“SwiftKey has copied many functional aspects and design features of WLC’s predictive text technology,” the suit alleges.
“SwiftKey is aware of WordLogic’s patents and has been in license discussions with WLC, including licensing the ‘984 Patent [the patent in question]. License discussions broke down, yet SwiftKey has not terminated using, manufacturing, licensing, selling or offering for sale its predictive text technology that infringes the ‘984 patent.”
In the lawsuit, WLC said it has been licensing and selling its predictive text technology since 2001 and owns many patents in that area, as well as pending patent applications.
“WordLogic has been the pioneer in developing some of the most groundbreaking intuitive keyboard technologies on the market and has been acknowledged as a leader in predictive technologies,” said WordLogic CEO Frank Evanshen.
“We have made significant investments in developing WordLogic’s technologies and patent portfolio and will work vigorously to protect our patent rights against infringement by others.”
WLC is requesting a trial by jury. It is asking that SwiftKey “be ordered to account for and pay plaintiffs actual and exemplary damages” as compensation.
