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The complaint claims that the August Smart Lock infringes upon his patented Remotizer keyless entry system for existing deadbolt locks. For selling the product, Apple is somehow being targeted here rather than August.
Kilbourne allegedly submitted a Remotizer app for iPhone for review around September 2014, but Apple said it was unable to continue with the process because it needed the associated hardware to fully assess the app.
“We began review of the app but are not able to continue because we need the associated hardware to fully assess your app features,” read Apple’s email response, according to the complaint. It appears Kilbourne never complied.
Both the Remotizer and August Smart Lock are electronic systems for remotely opening and closing a preexisting deadbolt lock without a key. Both products allow homeowners to keep their existing exterior door hardware and replace only the interior side of most standard deadbolts.
August’s Smart Lock is compatible with Apple’s HomeKit platform for locking and unlocking with Apple’s Home app and Siri.
Kilbourne is seeking an award of unspecified damages and legal costs, and he wants Apple to stop selling the August Smart Lock, according to the complaint. The lawsuit is rather humorous given that it should probably be targeted at August Smart Lock, so we’ll see how far this one goes before getting tossed out.
