Electronic Arts, Atari, Square-Enix and QuickOffice have all thrown their support behind Apple’s move to intervene on behalf of iOS app developers in their patent infringement battle with Lodsys, according to FOSS Patents.
The four companies filed a joint letter with the court stating:
In view of the Supporting Defendants’ critical need to rely upon Apple’s assistance in developing the evidence in this matter, Apple’s willingness to participate as a party in this action, and the lack of any cognizable prejudice to Lodsys, the Supporting Defendants respectfully urge this Court to grant the pending motion to intervene.
Apple filed a motion in June to intervene on behalf of the iOS app developers Lodsys is suing over allegations that they are infringing on patented technology it owns.
App developers want Apple in the ring against Lodsys
Lodsys gained notoriety in the Apple and Google communities by sending letters to independent app developers alleging they in-app purchase systems they use infringe on patents it holds. After Apple’s legal team sent Lodsys CEO Mark Small a letter stating that it properly licensed the patents for itself and third parties, the company filed lawsuits against several developers.
The four companies are all represented by the same law firm, indicating that they plan to cooperate in defending themselves against Lodsys’s claims.
For it’s part, Lodsys is hoping the court will block Apple from participating in the lawsuit and has argued that the company’s interest in intervening is only economic.
The court hasn’t ruled yet on Apple’s request.