A federal regulator announced an investigation into Apple on Tuesday over claims that elements of the tech giant's products violate another company's patents, Reuters reported.
The U.S. International Trade Commission launched the probe after a software company called Aqua Connect and one of its subsidiaries filed a complaint last month.
SEE ALSO:New Apple patent reveals the tech giant is exploring 3D hand-trackingThe agency, which presides over trade in and out of the United States, has the power to block imports of Apple's products if it decides the company is breaking the law.
Aqua Connect's case hinges on Apple's AirPlay technology — the feature that allows audio and video to be streamed across different Apple devices. Aqua Connect sells software that allows Macs to be accessed remotely, and it claims Apple ripped it off after ending its working relationship with the company six years ago.
Aqua Connect says that Apple previously "worked closely" with it on development and sales before cutting ties "abruptly and without explanation" in early 2011. Months later, Apple launched its Lion operating system with a screen-sharing tool built in. Aqua Connect claims that feature was based on its intellectual property.
The company also alleges that a number of Apple's related tools also violate these terms, including the screen-mirroring option within AirPlay.
Perhaps because the complaint centers on Apple's overarching platform, the ITC's investigation spans various Apple products, including certain Apple Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Apple TVs, according to Reuters.
As the richest and most prominent computer company in the world, Apple frequently faces patent infringement claims, and, more often than not, it's found to be in the clear. Still, it remains to be seen how serious these latest allegations are.
Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
TopicsApple
(责任编辑：探索)
Hiddleswift finally followed each other on Instagram after 3 excruciating days
Dr. Fauci has the perfect reaction to Rep. Jim Jordan's wild questioningCongress postpones bigWashington caught an Asian giant hornet (aka 'murder hornet')
Mall builds realThe Weeknd teases new music in Instagram post
The Weeknd is approaching.
。 The Grammy award-winning singer looks to be in full third-studio-album m
...[详细]If the virus that's at the center of a global pandemic spreads via respiratory droplets, wouldn't it
...[详细]Smoke from Arctic fires is smothering Siberia right now
The fires burning in Siberia this year continue to be exceptional.First, overwintering zombie fires
...[详细]The 'Avengers' game beta raises many concerns for the full release
A superhero video game should make players feel like they’re embodying that superhero. The Mar
...[详细]When Honda revealed its stunning and grandparent-scaring Civic Hatchback Prototype earlier this year
...[详细]Netflix's 'Unsolved Mysteries' reboot wants you to crack the case
Way back in 1988, NBC began airing Unsolved Mysteries, a weekly TV series that examined the strange
...[详细]National Park Service warns against murder in hilarious bear PSA
It's hiking season! Remember to drink plenty of water, leave the trail how you found it, behave safe
...[详细]Want 83 years worth of free Netflix? Beat the high score on 'The Old Guard' game.
It may be based on a graphic novel, but Netflix's The Old Guardnow has a game too.As part of the str
...[详细]You will love/hate Cards Against Humanity's new fortune cookies
If you've ever ordered Cards Against Humanity from the delightfully corrupt board game's website, yo
...[详细]Alexis Ohanian resigns from Reddit to make room for black board member
The co-founder of Reddit just put the rest of the tech world on notice.Alexis Ohanian announced Frid
...[详细]Old lady swatting at a cat ends up in Photoshop battle
National Park Service warns against murder in hilarious bear PSA