China: Apple sues IP Office over Siri imposter

Apple Inc has reportedly filed legal action against China’s State Intellectual Property Office over intellectual property violations regarding Apple’s “Siri” voice recognition technology, say reports.

The technology giant had previously requested the Chinese IP regulators to declare a rival company’s voice recognition software patent invalid, but the Office reportedly denied the request.

Apple has also sued rival Zhizhen Network Technology, the developer of the software similar to Siri’s.

Apple’s lawsuit will be heard by the Beijing Number One Intermediate People’s Court on Thursday.

The legal battle continues a long-running dispute between Apple and Zhizhen, the latter of which accused the iPhone maker of infringing on its patent for its Ziao i Robot software, the technology that is comprable to Siri. Zhizhen patented the voice recognition technology in 2004. The Chinese tech firm brought its case against Apple last July, but the court has not announced a decision on the matter.

Full Content: AFP

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