BASF alleges Apple’s iPhone and iPad models violate its face-authentication patents

BASF sued Apple in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, accusing the iPhone maker of violating seven patents owned by its trinamiX subsidiary. The patents cover a face-authentication method that detects material and skin properties to block spoof attacks using photos, 3D-printed masks or silicone replicas. According to the filing, Apple introduced Face ID in 2017 without the patented technology, but later models such as the iPhone 15, 16, 17 and iPad Pro now employ it.

BASF claims Apple either knew or should have known of the infringement, causing substantial damages and irreparable harm. The lawsuit seeks monetary compensation and an order to halt further infringement, while Apple has not provided a comment. The case highlights the growing importance of biometric security patents in consumer electronics.