The Lawsuit: Fintiv vs. Apple
On August 7, 2025, Fintiv, a Texas-based company specializing in digital wallet ecosystems, filed a lawsuit against Apple in a Georgia federal court. The suit alleges that Apple misappropriated trade secrets to develop Apple Pay, its widely used mobile payment system. According to Fintiv, discussions between Apple and CorFire, Fintiv’s predecessor, took place between 2011 and 2012 under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). These talks were purportedly for licensing CorFire’s mobile wallet technology. Instead, Fintiv claims Apple used the shared confidential information to build Apple Pay, launched in 2014, which now powers transactions across iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks. apple pay
Serious Allegations
The lawsuit goes beyond trade secret theft, accusing Apple of violating federal and Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) laws. Fintiv alleges that Apple formed an “association-in-fact” enterprise with major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Citibank, and payment networks like Visa and Mastercard, to profit from the stolen technology. The complaint highlights Apple Pay’s secure element technology and NFC (Near Field Communication) features, claiming they were derived from CorFire’s innovations. Fintiv seeks both compensatory and punitive damages, arguing that Apple’s actions have generated billions in revenue without proper compensation.
A Pattern of Alleged Misconduct?
Claims of Corporate Malfeasance
Fintiv’s lawsuit suggests a broader pattern of unethical behavior by Apple. It references prior legal disputes, such as those with health-tech firms Masimo and Valencell over the Apple Watch’s health-tracking features. In those cases, Apple was accused of feigning partnership interest to access proprietary technology and poach key employees. Fintiv alleges a similar strategy with CorFire, claiming Apple hired key personnel to bolster Apple Pay’s development while avoiding licensing agreements.
Apple’s Defense
Apple strongly denies these accusations. In a statement to 9to5Mac, the company described Fintiv’s lawsuit as an attempt to “distract from their failed patent case.” Apple insists that Apple Pay was developed independently using its own patented technology, emphasizing its privacy-focused design that avoids storing sensitive account information on devices. Apple also refutes Fintiv’s hiring claims, stating that one cited employee never worked at Apple, another was in retail, and the third joined after Apple Pay’s development was complete.
A History of Legal Battles
Fintiv’s Previous Attempts
This lawsuit isn’t Fintiv’s first legal action against Apple. In 2018, Fintiv filed a patent infringement lawsuit in Texas, alleging Apple Pay violated its patents. That case faced setbacks, with U.S. District Judge Alan Albright ruling twice that Apple did not infringe. After a federal appeals court remanded the case, Fintiv dismissed its remaining claims in August 2025, just before filing the new Georgia lawsuit. This shift to trade secret and RICO claims suggests a strategic pivot after years of legal challenges.
Fintiv’s Broader Struggles
Fintiv’s legal troubles extend beyond Apple. In 2022, it sued PayPal, but four of its five patents were invalidated. Additionally, Oxford Gray, an investment firm, recently sued Fintiv for defaulting on over $9 million in loans, raising questions about the company’s financial stability and motives.
What’s at Stake?
Impact on Apple
For Apple, a company valued at over $3 trillion, these allegations threaten its reputation as an innovator. A ruling in Fintiv’s favor could result in significant financial penalties and disrupt Apple Pay, a key revenue driver through transaction fees and device sales.
Fintiv’s High-Stakes Gamble
For Fintiv, this lawsuit is a bold attempt to challenge a tech giant. However, its history of legal losses and financial difficulties may undermine its credibility. The RICO claims, requiring proof of a coordinated criminal enterprise, are particularly challenging to substantiate.
Implications for Consumers
Potential Changes to Apple Pay
For Apple Pay users, the lawsuit raises concerns about the technology’s origins and Apple’s business practices. While immediate disruptions to Apple Pay are unlikely, a ruling against Apple could lead to operational changes or shifts in how Apple collaborates with partners.
Broader Industry Impact
The case underscores ongoing issues of intellectual property protection in the tech industry, where smaller innovators often struggle against larger corporations. It highlights the challenges of safeguarding proprietary technology in a competitive market.
Looking Ahead
What’s Next in Court
As the case progresses in Georgia’s federal court, the tech world will closely watch Apple’s defense against these serious allegations. The outcome could set a precedent for how tech giants interact with smaller firms and handle proprietary technology.
