Kodak Loses Preliminary Step in Case Against Apple

Eastman Kodak has lost a U.S. International Trade Commission ruling that could hamper its case against Apple and RIM, according to Bloomberg.

Kodak says it has a patent that covers a feature that can preview low-resolution versions of a moving image while recording still images at a high resolution.


ITC Judge Paul Luckern said Apple's iPhone and RIM's BlackBerry device don't violate Kodak's patent for a camera image-preview feature. The administrative law judge's findings, posted on the Washington-based agency's website today, are subject to review by the six-member commission, which has the power to block imports of products that infringe U.S. patents.

Kodak has responded to the decision saying, "The ALJ's recommendation represents a preliminary step in a process that we are extremely confident will conclude in Kodak's favor," General Counsel Laura G. Quatela said in a statement. "This very same Kodak patent was upheld by a different ALJ at the ITC in our case against LG and Samsung."