Telecoms giant AT&T has sued Microsoft, claiming it infringed
its patents for compression technology used to reduce the size of
computer sound files containing voice recordings, known as ‘speech
coding’. Speech coding can be used in many products, such as
cordless telephones, voice messaging, video conferencing and
internet services.
AT&T alleges that Microsoft used its technology in its
TrueSpeech software, which codes and decodes voice signals, and in
NetMeeting, which is used for videoconferencing. These programs are
included in Microsoft’s Windows ME, the current version of Windows
for consumers, and on Windows NT’s information server. Some of
NetMeeting’s capabilities will also be used in Windows Messenger,
the instant messaging service that will tie in to Microsoft's next
version of Windows, Windows XP.
The lawsuit claims AT&T warned Microsoft of the patent
infringement in April 1999, and although AT&T allegedly offered
to licence the patent to Microsoft, this offer was apparently
rejected.
AT&T has asked for a judgement against Microsoft, as well as
damages and legal fees.
