(Reuters) – A Florida federal judge on Tuesday rejected Apple Inc.’s claims. on copyright infringement against a Florida startup whose software helps security researchers find vulnerabilities in Apple products, including the iPhone.
U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith ruled in favor of Corellium LLC, saying its software that emulates the iOS operating system running on iPhone and iPad is a “fair use” because it was “transformative” and helps developers find security flaws.
Apple accused Corellium of essentially replicating iOS to create “virtual” iOS-operated devices, whose “sole function” was to run unauthorized copies of the system on non-Apple hardware.
But the Fort Lauderdale judge said Corellium “adds something new to iOS,” letting users see and stop running processes, take live snapshots, and perform other operations.
“Corellium’s profit motivation does not undermine the defense of fair use, especially given the public benefits of the product,” Smith wrote.
The judge also rejected Apple’s argument that the Delray Beach startup acted in bad faith by selling its product without discrimination, including potential hackers, and by not asking users to report bugs to Apple.
He said the argument seemed “puzzling, if not dishonest,” saying that Cupertino, California-based Apple did not impose a reporting requirement on its own Bug Bounty program.
Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Corellium denied the wrongdoing. Justin Levine, one of his lawyers, said in an e-mail that the decision had made “appropriate findings regarding fair use”.
Smith said Apple could continue to support a separate federal law, saying Corellium circumvented security measures when creating its software.
Corellium was founded in August 2017. According to court files, Apple has been trying to buy Corellium since January 2018, but talks have been interrupted until the summer. Apple sued Corellium in August 2019.
The case is Apple Inc. v. Corellium LLC, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, No. 19-81160.
Jonathan Stempel’s report to New York; Mountainous of David Gregorio