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A Jersey inventor who claims that tech giant Apple stole his online payment technology to create iTunes is suing the United States Patent and Trademark Office over its refusal to disclose documents.
Patrick Racz argues he came up with the idea of a system to store music and charge to download tunes in the 1990s, and invented ‘Smartflash’ to do just that.
Britney Spears was lined up as a brand ambassador for the company, but Mr Racz says his ideas were leaked and then stolen.
In 2015, Apple was ordered to pay US$533m to Smartflash for copyright infringements after a jury trial; however, that decision was overturned on appeal.
Mr Racz has continued to pursue Apple and in April announced the launch of a civil investigation into the global giant, under the US federal ‘Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act’ law.
As part of that, he is now suing USPTO over its refusal to release documents regarding his racketeering case against Apple.
Pictured: Mr Racz claims that Apple's iTunes store takes advantage of the technology he first developed in the late 1990s.
Mr Racz said: “We have been fighting the US Patent Office tooth and nail for the past three years, to obtain copies of multiple unredacted emails and documents that we are fully entitled to receive but have been left with no choice other than suing them.
“We are committed to protecting our intellectual property and will not rest until justice has been served.”
The case has been filed in the District Court in the District of Columbia, seeking a judge’s direction on whether the country’s Freedom of Information laws have been breached.
Apple have defended itself in case brought by Mr Racz and Smartflash. Apple has previously accused Smartflash of using the patent system to seek royalties for technology which it claims it invented.
Jersey inventor launches fresh £18bn legal challenge against Apple (April 2023)
Jersey inventor loses $533 million damages after battle with Apple (March 2017)
Jersey inventor may never see $533m Apple damages award (January 2017)
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