Reincubate Ltd., the London-based developer of the video application “Camo,” has filed a federal lawsuit against Apple Inc., alleging that the tech giant engaged in a calculated scheme to copy its patented technology and maintain an illegal monopoly over the U.S. smartphone market. The complaint, filed in the District of New Jersey, claims Apple “actively induced and encouraged” Reincubate to develop Camo for iOS before systematically copying its features to launch a competing product called “Continuity Camera”.
The lawsuit centers on “Camo,” a 2020 app that allows smartphones to function as high-quality webcams for both Mac and Windows computers. Reincubate alleges that after praising the app’s innovation—including naming it a 2023 Apple Design Award finalist—Apple integrated the functionality into iOS in 2022. The filing claims Apple then used its platform control to “cripple” Camo by denying it access to essential low-latency Wi-Fi APIs that Apple’s own version utilizes. This conduct reportedly redirected demand to Apple’s “platform-tied offering,” further locking users into the Apple ecosystem and preventing seamless use with competing platforms like Windows or Android.
Reincubate’s legal action includes several major claims. Under the Sherman Act, the developer argues Apple violated antitrust laws by suppressing cross-platform technologies to preserve its mobile operating system monopoly. Apple is also accused of willfully infringing two U.S. patents, specifically Nos. 11,924,258 and 12,335,323, through its Continuity Camera and Final Cut Camera products. Furthermore, the suit challenges an Apple Developer Program clause that allows Apple to terminate any developer who sues it for patent infringement, characterizing it as an unlawful retaliatory provision.
Reincubate is seeking permanent injunctive relief, treble damages, and attorneys’ fees to address the alleged harm. This case mirrors ongoing antitrust allegations brought by the U.S. Department of Justice against Apple’s “walled garden” strategy of using restrictive technology to prevent cross-platform interoperability. Apple has not yet issued a formal response to the complaint.