Apple Allowed to Intervene in Lodsys Case Against iOS Developers

Apple's motion to intervene in the Lodsys case against iOS developers has been granted in part, according to FOSS Patents.

Lodsys has sued numerous iOS developers who use in-app purchases and upgrade links within their apps.

In late July, 2011, Lodsys filed its opposition to Apple's motion for an intervention. In early August, Apple insisted that its motion should be granted. But for a long time, nothing happened with respect to Apple's motion. In the meantime, the judge originally presiding over the case resigned. Today, finally, Apple's motion was granted in part: "Apple is permitted to intervene in this suit, but such intervention is limited to the issues of patent exhaustion and licensing."

Judge Rodney Gilstrap concluded that Apple was entitled to intervene, and in any event, a permissive intervention (one that the court can allow in its discretion) was also an option.

Unfortunately, some defendants, including IconFactory, have already settled with the patent troll to avoid the massive legal expense. Hopefully, Apple does more to protect its developers going forward.

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