Apple’s FaceTime ‘Eye Contact’ Feature Under Legal Scrutiny in Europe
Apple is currently facing a patent infringement lawsuit in Europe concerning its FaceTime Eye Contact feature. This function, introduced in iOS 14, utilizes augmented reality to adjust a user’s gaze during video calls, creating the illusion of direct eye contact with the conversation partner. The lawsuit, filed by EyesMatch Ltd., alleges that this feature infringes upon their European patent EP2,936,439, which pertains to methods for capturing and displaying appearances, including gaze correction techniques.
Background of the Patent Dispute
The patent in question, titled Method of Capturing and Displaying Appearances, was filed in December 2013 and granted in February 2020. It describes technologies that process camera images in real-time to modify the appearance of a user’s eyes, ensuring they appear to be looking straight ahead during video interactions. This innovation aims to enhance the naturalness and personal connection in virtual communications by simulating direct eye contact.
EyesMatch Ltd.: The Plaintiff
EyesMatch Ltd. is a patent-holding company, often referred to as a non-practicing entity or patent troll. The company possesses a portfolio of patents related to virtual and digital mirrors, digital makeup applications, augmented reality elements, object extraction techniques, and other real-time image processing technologies. The primary inventors associated with these patents are Nissi Vilcovsky and Ofer Saban, who are also the founders of EyesMatch and the affiliated MemoMi Lab Inc.
Previous Legal Actions by EyesMatch
This is not the first time EyesMatch has initiated legal proceedings over patent EP2,936,439. In May 2025, the company filed a lawsuit against Samsung, followed by another against Microsoft in June 2025. Both tech giants opted to settle, entering into worldwide patent licensing agreements with EyesMatch. Samsung’s settlement came after an injunction in Brazil, while Microsoft’s was based on European lawsuits. Additionally, EyesMatch has an ongoing lawsuit against Google concerning the same patent.
Potential Implications for Apple
The patent is registered across ten European countries, including the UK, Germany, France, and Italy. The possibility of injunctions in major markets like Germany, France, and Italy could pose significant challenges for Apple. Given the precedent set by Samsung and Microsoft’s settlements, Apple might consider a similar approach to avoid prolonged litigation and potential disruptions in these key markets.
The Broader Context of Patent Litigation in Tech
Apple is no stranger to patent disputes. The company has faced numerous lawsuits over the years, often concerning major technological features. For instance, Apple has been embroiled in a long-standing legal battle with Masimo over health monitoring technologies in the Apple Watch. However, this current lawsuit highlights how even seemingly minor software features can become focal points in complex legal battles.
The Role of Patent Holding Companies
Patent holding companies like EyesMatch often acquire patents not to develop products but to license them or seek settlements through litigation. Critics argue that such entities stifle innovation by targeting companies that develop and bring new technologies to market. Supporters, however, contend that they play a role in protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that inventors receive compensation for their innovations.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings unfold, the tech industry will be closely watching the outcome of this case. It underscores the intricate landscape of patent law in the technology sector and the challenges companies face in navigating intellectual property rights. Whether Apple chooses to settle or contest the allegations, the case will likely have implications for how tech companies approach feature development and patent considerations in the future.
