MIDLAND-ODESSA (LN) — Peer Global Inc. filed a patent infringement complaint on Jan. 29 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, accusing Apple Inc. of infringing three user-interface patents with the "Liquid Glass" features introduced in iOS 26.
The lawsuit, filed in the Midland-Odessa division, targets Apple's use of a "selection ring" primitive that the plaintiff claims allows users to navigate immersive digital environments without breaking immersion or relying on traditional cursor-based pointers.
Peer Global, a Delaware corporation based in Bothell, Washington, alleges that Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, released on or about Sept. 15, 2025, incorporate the patented technology without authorization.
The complaint identifies U.S. Patent Nos. 11,137,878; 11,650,712; and 11,966,559 as the Patents-in-Suit, all of which claim priority to a provisional application filed on May 10, 2016.
According to the filing, the accused technology enables users to make "fast, intuitive selections using a continuous motion" by manipulating a movable ring overlay relative to on-screen icons, rather than clicking through nested menus.
Peer Global asserts that Apple's infringement is willful, intentional, and deliberate, citing Apple's own marketing materials, including a video titled "Meet Liquid Glass" and developer documentation that provides instructions on incorporating the features.
The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction, damages to be proven at trial, enhanced damages for willful infringement, and a declaration that the case is exceptional to recover attorneys' fees.
The complaint notes that Apple maintains multiple regular and established places of business in the district, including two campuses in Austin and five Apple Stores in Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso, where employees allegedly demonstrate the infringing features to customers.