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Next week Apple will officially release their latest version of the iPhone – the iPhone X. One of the new gizmos of this highly awaited phone is called the “Animoji” feature. Using face recognition technology, this feature will allow the user to create, send, and share 3D animations whose facial expressions can be expressed through the facial expression of the user. You may choose, for example, a 3D animation of a teddy bear, whose facial expressions will mimic your own.
A little over a week before the much-awaited roll out, Apple has found itself entangled in yet another lawsuit, specifically related to their Animoji feature. A Japanese software company, Emonster kk, filed the suit in a federal courtroom in San Francisco on Wednesday. The company claims it holds the United States trademark for the term “Animoji.” and that Apple is in clear violation of U.S. trademark law.
Attorneys for Emonster kk called Apple’s use of the name a textbook case of deliberate infringement. They also contend that Apple must have known about the trademarked term because their Animoji texting app is available on Apple’s app store.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, as well as a court order preventing Apple from using the term while the case is pending. Apple has yet to comment on the case.
This case is just the most recent in a long history of litigation involving Apple. Earlier this year, Apple and microchip manufacturer Qualcomm traded lawsuits, including one in which Qualcomm sued Apple for allegedly infringing on six of its patents. Apple also settled a patent infringement case with Nokia earlier this year, agreeing to pay the Finland-based company $2 billion as part of the settlement.
One thing is for sure. As technology continues to progress at lightning speed there will be no shortage of lawsuits involving intellectual property.
That’s it for now. I am Attorney Francine Ward helping you protect what’s yours. Join my conversation on my Law Facebook Page, my Law Twitter Page, my Google+ Page, and in a discussion on my LinkedIn Page.

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