Apple faces new legal challenge in China

DHAKA: A Chinese technology firm has filed a legal challenge accusing United States giant Apple of infringing its patented voice recognition software with its Siri function on the iPhone, the company said on Saturday.

The move comes just days after Apple paid US$60 million to end a dispute over who could use the iPad name in China, reports The Straits Times.

Shanghai Zhizhen Network Technology Co Ltd patented its Xiao i Robot software in 2004, while Apple’s Siri, which made its debut with the release of the iPhone 4S in 2011, was first developed in 2007.

The Chinese company’s version operates in a similar way to Apple’s personal assistant and works on the iOS and Android operating systems.

BDST: 1620 HRS, JUL 7, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor