Apple fails to get Siri-related patent invalidated in China

In June 2012, the Chinese company Zhizhen Network Technology filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Apple in China that accuses the iPhone maker of violating its voice recognition patent with Siri. Apple responded by attempting to have the patent invalidated through China’s State Intellectual Property Office, but a new report claims that request has been denied. 

As such, a separate trial that determines whether Siri-capable devices like iPhones and iPads are in fact violating the patent will continue. Zhizhen applied for the patent in 2004, which it was awarded in 2006 for its similar voice recognition technology Xiao i Robot. The software, which has similar features as Siri, is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Apple believes it is not infringing on the patent:

“Unfortunately, we were not aware of Zhizhen’s patent before we introduced Siri and we do not believe we are using this patent,” a Beijing-based Apple spokeswoman said in an emailed statement to Reuters. “While a separate court considers this question, we remain open to reasonable discussions with Zhizhen.”

According to BBC News, the ruling was handed down by the Beijing First Intermediate Court on Tuesday. Apple plans to appeal the decision with the Beijing Higher People’s Court. The report adds that it is unlikely Apple products that use Siri would be banned in China, but the Cupertino-based company could be forced to reach a financial settlement with Zhizhen.

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