Boston University Sues Apple for Patent Infringement

Boston University is suing Apple over patent infringement, reports the Boston Herald. The university is claiming that Apple stole a computer engineer's patented semiconductor and implemented it into their products.

Professor Theodore D. Moustakas patented a small electronic semiconductor in 1997, which is now included in the iPhone 5, iPad and Macbook Air.


Defendant’s acts of infringement have caused and will continue to cause substantial and irreparable damage to the University

The specific patent is number 5,686,735 and is described as "highly insulating monocrystalline gallium nitride thin films."

In the past year, the university has filed eight identical claims against smaller manufactures, but others like Samsung and Amazon have been hit with a lawsuit as well.

Analysys believe that a successful case would bring around $75 Million from the university.


Boston University is one of the largest private universities in the United States, and one of the largest employers in Boston, with more than 10,000 faculty and staff and over 33,000 students.

Read More [Patent]