Apple Sued by Ex-Patent Attorney Over Discrimination, Harassment

A former top Apple Inc. patent attorney says she was unlawfully fired by the iPhone maker after complaining about being abused by a male colleague, including receiving death threats, with whom she was romantically involved.

Jayna Richardson Whitt sued Apple in California claiming the company retaliated against her after it became aware of her “domestic abuse victim status” by denying her opportunities for higher-level positions and thwarting her career growth. She’s seeking unspecified compensation for economic losses and emotional distress.

Apple didn’t immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Whitt worked at Apple since 2006, ...