Google Faces Patent Infringement Lawsuit Over Google Talk

Rates Technology Inc (RTI) has brought a case against Google for patent infringement over the voice-over-Internet portion of its Google Talk instant messaging and voice chat program. The patent-holding company claims that two of its patents, dating back to 1991 and 1995, have been infringed. Both relate to technology designed to minimising the cost of calls over the internet.

RTI has demanded damages and court costs, and an injunction to prevent Google using the technology.

A Google spokesman said: "We believe the lawsuit is without merit and we will defend against it vigorously."

RTI has sued Nortel, Sharp and others over patents it holds and has gone to court more than 25 times in the last 15 years to defend them. It generally asks for a one-off payment to go away.

Google’s recent deal to buy a 5 per cent stake in AOL for $1 billion could help it sidestep the litigation. Under the terms of the AOL deal, Google Talk users will be able to talk to users of AOL’s TotalTalk system. Analysts noted that Google may also be able to licence AOL’s VoIP technology. However, the case will still be an unwelcome distraction for Google.

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