US: British Telecom (BT) filed suit against Google, arguing that the search giant’s Android operating system infringes on six of its patents. The suit covers a variety of Google services, including Google Maps, Google Search, Google Places, Google’s location-based advertising, Google Offers and Google+.
“BT brings this action to recover the just compensation it is owed and to prevent Google from continuing to benefit from BT’s inventions without authorisation,” BT said in its suit, filed in a Delaware district court.
In a statement, Google said “we believe these claims are groundless and we will vigorously defend ourselves against them.” On the other hand, BT said, “Google Music maintains data relating to whether a particular music service is available or unavailable to its user based on whether is located in, and connected to, a WiFi hotspot or a cellular data network.”
The second patent covers a system, like Google Maps, that provides up-to-date information over a mobile connection, including public transportation data, tourist attractions, and traffic information.The third patent covers services generated via user preferences. On this, BT mentions Google Maps, Google Search, Google Places, Google’s location-based advertising, Google Offers, and Google+.
The fourth patent deals with an information service that stores customer data and is “essentially, a digital rights management patent.” The Android Market, for example, “utilises user identities in Google’s servers,” and keeps a list of things, like Android apps, that a user can access.
The fifth patent goes back to mapping, particularly one that can alter its results based on transportation systems—Google Maps results for driving, walking, or taking public transportation, for example.Finally, the last patent deals with location-based information, particularly that provided via Google Maps and Google Maps Navigation.
Reportedly, BT is the fifth large, publicly traded company to file a patent suit against Google after Apple, Oracle, Microsoft, and eBay.
Source: www.pcmag.com
