The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is investigating whether Apple and RIM have violated camera patents owned by photographic firm Kodak.
The commission said it “has voted to institute an investigation of certain mobile telephones and wireless communication devices featuring digital cameras and components thereof.”
The products being investigated are “smartphones with built-in cameras,” made by Apple and RIM.
In addition to compensation from the two firms, Kodak wants the ITC to stop them from importing products containing the technologies.
On January 14 – the day Kodak filed its complaint – the camera giant also filed two patent violation lawsuits in a US District Court against Apple, including one involving digital cameras.
Licensing revenues are becoming an increasing important source of revenue for Kodak.
The company expects to earn between $250 million and $300 million per year from licensing over the next few years, said Bloomberg.