Google sued by US University
Google are facing a lawsuit from an American University over claims that their search system is based on their patented technology.
Northeastern University claim that the search giant is using technology for information search and retrieval from large, distributed databases which they patented in 1997 - the year before Google was established - to underpin their service.
The case has been brought by Northeastern and Jarg Corp., the company co-founded by computer science Associate professor Dr. Kenneth Baclawski, who invented the technique described in US patent 5,694,593 “Distributed Computer Database System and Method”.
Michael Belanger of Jarg Corp. claims his company have been aware of Google infringing their patent for several years, but have lacked the financial resources to bring their case to the courts. Bringing the case has now been made possible thanks to Texan law firm Vinson & Elkins, who will be footing the court costs on a contingency basis.
Google spokesman Jon Murchinson said “While we have not been served [with a writ], we are aware of the complaint and believe it to be without merit based upon our initial investigation.”
The plaintiffs are not seeking a ‘cease and desist’ order on Google, instead demanding undisclosed royalties for the continued use of the technology.
“We are just interested in a normal royalty if the case determines that Google is using the technology we developed.” added Belanger.
If the court finds in favour of the plaintiffs, Google might have to brace themselves for a significant payout; in 2004 they settled for a reported $290 million with Yahoo for infringing patents related to Yahoo’s Overture PPC service.
The suit was filed on 6th November in Marshall, Texas - a court whose decisions have tended historically to favour the plaintiff in patent cases.
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