Apple Challenges Fintiv’s Persistent Apple Pay Lawsuits
Article Text:
Apple is once again at the center of legal disputes initiated by Fintiv, a Texas-based company known for its patent litigation activities. Fintiv has been pursuing legal action against Apple since 2018, alleging that Apple Pay infringes on its patents. Despite multiple court rulings favoring Apple, Fintiv has recently filed a new lawsuit in Georgia, introducing allegations of trade secret theft and racketeering.
Background of the Legal Dispute
Fintiv’s legal actions against Apple began in December 2018, when the company filed a lawsuit claiming that Apple Pay infringed on its patent related to managing virtual cards on mobile devices. The patent in question involves provisioning a contactless card in a mobile device using a mobile wallet application. Fintiv alleged that Apple, without authorization, directly infringed on this patent through the development and operation of Apple Pay. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2018/12/26/patent-troll-apple-pay/?utm_source=openai))
Court Rulings and Apple’s Defense
Over the years, the courts have consistently ruled in favor of Apple. Judge Alan Albright, who presided over the case in Texas, twice determined that Apple did not infringe on Fintiv’s patented technology. The key distinction lies in the storage of account-specific information: Fintiv’s patent requires storing such information directly on the device, whereas Apple Pay utilizes a secure architecture that does not store this data locally, thereby enhancing user privacy and security. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/08/apple-fintiv-apple-pay-lawsuit-response/?utm_source=openai))
Introduction of New Allegations
Following these setbacks, Fintiv has shifted its legal strategy. Less than a week after voluntarily dismissing its remaining claims in the Texas trial, Fintiv filed a new lawsuit in Georgia. This lawsuit introduces allegations of trade secret theft and racketeering, claiming that Apple misappropriated technology from CorFire, a mobile payments company that Fintiv later acquired. Fintiv alleges that Apple engaged in these activities during meetings in 2011 and 2012 and by hiring key CorFire employees. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/08/apple-fintiv-apple-pay-lawsuit-response/?utm_source=openai))
Apple’s Response to the New Lawsuit
Apple has firmly denied these new allegations, describing them as baseless. The company points out that the patent central to the original dispute was not filed until 2014, the same year Apple Pay was launched, making it implausible for events from 2011–2012 to be related to the patented technology. Additionally, Apple disputes the hiring claims, noting that one individual cited by Fintiv never worked at Apple, another worked in Apple Retail rather than on Apple Pay, and the third joined after Apple Pay had already been developed. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/08/apple-fintiv-apple-pay-lawsuit-response/?utm_source=openai))
Pattern of Legal Maneuvers
Apple has also highlighted a pattern of delays and legal maneuvers by Fintiv aimed at prolonging the litigation process. These include last-minute emergency motions, attempts to move trial dates, and even a writ of mandamus to the Federal Circuit, a remedy reserved for extraordinary circumstances. Despite these efforts, the courts have consistently ruled in favor of Apple, leading to Fintiv’s voluntary dismissal of its remaining claims after jury selection in the Texas case. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/08/apple-fintiv-apple-pay-lawsuit-response/?utm_source=openai))
Broader Context of Fintiv’s Legal Actions
Fintiv’s legal actions are not limited to Apple. In 2022, the company sued PayPal over five patents, four of which were invalidated in court, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office later invalidating the fifth. The Federal Circuit upheld these rulings earlier this year. Additionally, Fintiv has faced its own legal challenges, including a lawsuit from investment firm Oxford Gray for breach of contract, alleging default on more than $9 million in loans. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/08/apple-fintiv-apple-pay-lawsuit-response/?utm_source=openai))
Apple’s Commitment to Innovation and Security
Throughout these legal battles, Apple has maintained that Apple Pay was developed from the ground up using its own patented technology. The company emphasizes that its design choices, particularly the decision not to store account-specific data on devices, are fundamental differences from Fintiv’s approach. Apple frames Fintiv’s strategy as an attempt to profit from Apple Pay’s success after failing to establish infringement in court. With the Texas case closed in Apple’s favor and the Georgia case just beginning, the company has stated its intention to continue defending against what it calls false claims. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/08/apple-fintiv-apple-pay-lawsuit-response/?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
Apple’s ongoing legal disputes with Fintiv highlight the complexities of patent litigation in the technology sector. Despite multiple court rulings in its favor, Apple continues to face new allegations and legal challenges. The company’s steadfast defense underscores its commitment to innovation, user privacy, and security in the development of its products and services.
