Google hit by GraphOn patent suit

18 Aug 2008 12:30

The software maker's suit alleges that Google's Base, AdWords, Blogger, Sites and YouTube services infringe on database-related patents

Software maker GraphOn has filed suit against search giant Google, alleging that Google's Base, AdWords, Blogger, Sites and YouTube services violate GraphOn's patents.

GraphOn, based in Santa Cruz, California, acquired the patents through its acquisition of Network Engineering Software, a privately held network-software company, in 2005. The suit was filed in US District Court in the Eastern District of Texas.

A spokesperson for Google could not immediately be reached for comment.

According to GraphOn, the Google suit follows similar claims against AutoTrader.com, Classified Ventures, IAC/InterActiveCorp, Match.com, Yahoo, eHarmony.com and CareerBuilder.

The suit involves patents 6,324,538; 6,850,940; 7,028,034; and 7,269,591, which involve a method of maintaining an automated and network-accessible database.

GraphOn is seeking permanent injunctive relief along with unspecified damages.

Story URL: http://news.zdnet.co.uk/itmanagement/0,1000000308,39462456,00.htm