Apple is being sued by Ancora Technologies for violating one of its patents. The patent in question would cover all of Apple’s iOS devices.

[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]Filed in the Central District of California, Ancora says that Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch violate its ‘941 patent. The company says Apple was aware of the patent as far back as December 2002.

The patent, entitled “Method of restricting software operation within a license limitation” is described as:

A method of restricting software operation within a license limitation that is applicable for a computer having a first non-volatile memory area, a second non-volatile memory area, and a volatile memory area. The method includes the steps of selecting a program residing in the volatile memory, setting up a verification structure in the non-volatile memories, verifying the program using the structure, and acting on the program according to the verification.

Ancora is asking the court for an injunction against Apple and financial damages.