Apple vs. Corellium: Copyright Claims Dismissed

Apple has encountered a significant challenge in a legal case, VMware is pursuing legal action against a former leader, and Google is experimenting with a new feature for concise video content. This is your Daily Crunch for December 29, 2020.

Key development: Apple’s copyright claims against Corellium are dismissed

Last year, Apple initiated a lawsuit against Corellium, a firm that enables security experts to create virtual iOS devices within a web browser to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Apple contended that Corellium’s offering both violates its copyright and, by bypassing established authentications and security protocols, infringes upon the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Today, Judge Rodney Smith rejected Apple’s copyright assertions, stating that “Corellium has successfully demonstrated fair use.”

Judge Smith’s ruling did not address Apple’s DMCA claims, meaning the legal proceedings are ongoing.

Major technology companies

VMware initiates legal proceedings against a former executive for joining a competitor — The company asserts that Rajiv Ramaswami, formerly the COO, possessed confidential knowledge regarding VMware’s strategic initiatives and should have disclosed his interviews with a rival organization.

Google is testing a search function that compiles brief videos from TikTok and Instagram — This development could assist Google in maintaining user engagement when they are seeking social video entertainment.

Startups, financing, and venture capital

23andMe secures $82.5M in a new funding round — The company’s efforts this year concerning COVID-19 may have highlighted the value of its platform.

CommonGround obtains $19M to reimagine online communication — The objective is to develop online collaboration tools that more accurately reflect the subtleties of face-to-face interactions.

Seattle-based Madrona raises $320M for its eighth investment fund — This represents a slight increase compared to the firm’s previous two funds, each of which totaled $300 million.

Insights and analysis from Extra Crunch

As the launch market evolves, ground-based space opportunities are expanding — If you believe the increase in launches is substantial, anticipate even greater developments as it converges with the growth of private satellites.

Streaming services will face critical evaluation in 2021 — While executives in the media and telecommunications sectors, along with Wall Street investors, have been willing to invest heavily in a future centered around streaming, they will soon expect to see tangible profits.

What factors are driving the surge in climate tech SPACs this year? — It is undeniable that 2020 has been the year of the special purpose acquisition company.

(Extra Crunch is our membership program, designed to make information about startups more accessible. You can register here for a holiday offer valid through January 3. Further details about the offer can be found here.)

Other news

Antitrust measures against technology companies are gaining significant traction globally, from the United States to China, Korea, India, and Europe — Antitrust concerns are now a prominent issue for the technology industry worldwide.

Planning to attend CES 2021? TechCrunch is interested in connecting with your startup — The event will be held virtually.

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