THX has filed a lawsuit against Apple, claiming that the iPhone, iPad, and Mac computer lineup infringe on its 2008 patent for speaker technology, reports "The MacObserver" (www.macobserver.com).

Here's a summary of the patent: "A narrow profile speaker unit comprises at least one speaker outputting sound towards an internal surface and through a duct with an output terminus, such as a slot, having a narrow dimension, effectively changing the cross-section of the speaker's audio output wave. A pair of speakers may face one another, outputting sound towards a common output slot. Multiple pairs of speakers may be used to form an inline speaker unit for increased sound output. A slotted speaker unit may include multiple speakers facing the same direction, towards a groundplane or reflecting surface, and having parallel apertures for allowing sound radiation. The speaker units may be integral with or attached to electronic appliances such as desktop computers or flatscreen devices, or may be used in automobiles or other contexts.

THX is asking a Federal Court in San Jose, California for a court order for reasonable royalties along with an order blocking the alleged infringement, reports "The Mac Observer." Both sides are scheduled to start court-related meetings on May 14.