Apple Can’t Kill ‘Home’ Button Patent Infringement Claims

Apple Inc. will continue to face claims that the “Home” button on its iPhone and iPad infringes patents, the Northern District of California ruled March 8.

Firstface Co.'s arguments that Apple infringed its patents directly, indirectly, and willfully were sufficient to survive a motion to dismiss, the court said.

Firstface Co. alleges that Apple infringes three of its patents by including a “home” button on its devices that powers them on, begins the fingerprint authentication process, and activates Siri. Firstface says that Apple offered to purchase or license its patent portfolio in 2015.

Judge James Donato denied Apple’s motion to ...