The University of Wisconsin’s patent licensing arm — the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation — is suing Apple for violating a university patent through the A7 processor found in the iPhone 5s, iPad Air, and iPad mini. The patent is titled Table Based Data Speculation Circuit for Parallel Processing Computer, and credited to several computer scientists who were at UW Madison. It describes a way of improving “the efficiency and performance of contemporary computer processors.”
The WARF says that the scientists’ work has been “recognized as a major milestone in the field of computer microprocessor architecture/design.” The leader on the project, Gurindar Sohi, was given an Eckert-Mauchly Award.
As evidence of its allegations, the university points to several recent patents by Apple which actually cite UW’s. It says moreover that it was forced to pursue a lawsuit, as “Apple has stated that it is the policy of the company not to accept or consider proposals regarding licensing from outside entities like WARF for any purpose.”
The university is seeking an injunction against continuing infringement, as well as damages with interest, plus legal fees.
