A federal judge Tuesday dismissed Apple’s copyright infringement lawsuit against cybersecurity startup Corellium in a case which could have implications for researchers who find software bugs and vulnerabilities.
Judge Rodney Smith said Apple failed to show a legal basis for protecting its entire iOS operating system from security researchers.
Apple sued the Florida-based startup in 2019 claiming its “virtualization” of iOS software constituted copyright infringement.
But the judge ruled that Corellium’s work, which is designed to find security holes in the software, was “fair use” of copyrighted material.
“From the infancy of copyright protection, courts have recognized that some opportunity for fair use of copyrighted materials is necessary to fulfill copyright’s purpose of promoting ‘the progress of science and useful arts,’” Smith wrote.
“There is evidence in the record to support Corellium’s position that its product is intended for security research and, as Apple concedes, can be used for security research. Further, Apple itself would have used the product for internal testing had it successfully acquired the company.”
The ruling, if upheld, represents a victory for security researchers who could face civil or criminal penalties for reproducing copyrighted software as part of efforts to find vulnerabilities.
It also limits Apple’s efforts to exercise full control of its iPhone software and its ability to force third parties to use its proprietary security research tools.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the case.
Related: Apple Sued Us After Failed Acquisition Attempt, Corellium Claims
Related: Apple Sues Corellium Over Security Research Tool

More from AFP
- Amazon Settles Ring Customer Spying Complaint
- France Punishes Clearview AI For Failing To Pay Fine
- Twitter Celebrity Hacker Pleads Guilty in US
- Pro-Russian Hackers Claim Downing of French Senate Website
- Microsoft Expands AI Access to Public
- Hackers Promise AI, Install Malware Instead
- Australian Finance Company Refuses Hackers’ Ransom Demand
- Tesla Sued Over Workers’ Alleged Access to Car Video Imagery
Latest News
- KeePass Update Patches Vulnerability Exposing Master Password
- AntChain, Intel Create New Privacy-Preserving Computing Platform for AI Training
- Keep Aware Raises $2.4M to Eliminate Browser Blind Spots
- Google Workspace Gets Passkey Authentication
- Cybersecurity Startup Elba Raises €2.5 Million for Employee-Focused Product
- Zoom Expands Privacy Options for European Customers
- Several Major Organizations Confirm Being Impacted by MOVEit Attack
- Apple Unveils Upcoming Privacy and Security Features
