Apple's iCloud Targeted in Innovative Automation Patent Lawsuit

Innovative Automation filed a lawsuit against Apple over claims that iCloud infringes on two of its patents. The company also filed a suit against Amazon over the company's Cloud Player service.

Innovative Automation says iCloud infringes on its patentsiCloud is Apple's online data syncing and storage service.

San Jose-based Innovative Automation claimed in its filing that Apple is infringing on patent 7,174,362 and 7,392,283, both titled "Method and System for Supplying Products from Pre-Stored Digital Data in Response to Demands Transmitted via Computer Network." The patents date back to 2007 and 2008, although the company wasn't formed until 2011, according to Justia.

The company said in its filing that the method Apple uses to duplicate data for iCloud infringes on both of its patents.

Instead of filing its lawsuit in California, Innovative Automation chose to file in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas which has a reputation for favoring plaintiffs and also happens to be a venue where Apple is routinely targeted by patent trolls.

Innovative Automation is seeking a Jury trial, and is seeking damages along with an injunction blocking further infringement.

Apple has not commented on the case, and a trial date has not been set.