• August 8, 2007

Apple has been hit with a second legal suit since the launch of the iPhone--this one related to the touch screen.

SP Technologies claims the touch screen on the iPhone infringes a patent it took out in 2000 and was granted in 2004 for "Method and medium for computer readable keyboard display incapable of user termination."

The document describes software that allows users to input directions on a virtual keyboard that cannot be minimized or closed. That description sounds much like the iPhone keyboard. The suit hinges on the fact that the user must rely on the keyboard to operate the phone. The company wants "reasonable royalties" on every unit sold.

SP Technologies has previous claims against Canon, LG Electronics, and Kyocera, among others.

This is the second lawsuit the iPhone has faced. Cisco already sued over the phone, claiming it holds the rights to the name. The suit has since been settled.

--Laurie Sullivan