An apparent patent troll is suing Apple for claimed patent infringement over Siri control of HomeKit devices …
Patently Apple notes that SpeakWare owns a 2002 patent entitled Hands-Free, Voice-Operated Remote Control Transmitter. It claims that Apple’s use of Siri to control appliances infringes this patent.
A casual reading of the patent doesn’t appear to support the contention.
What the company appears to have patented is adding voice control to an existing remote-controlled appliance. However, the use of extremely broad claims – as is typical with patent applications – means that the company could argue its case.
Patently Apple notes that the case was filed in the California Central District Court, but no judge has yet been assigned.
