Google Talk represents the search giant’s entry into the Voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP) sector – basically the transport of
telephone calls over an internet connection. The system, which
allows users to call, email or send instant messages to other users
of the service, was made available for beta testing in
August.
A lawsuit filed with the US District Court for the Eastern
District of New York seeks damages and an injunction against
Google’s use of technology relating to "a method for minimising the
cost of placing long-distance phone calls."
The patents asserted, US Patent Numbers 5,425,085 and
5,519,769, date back to 1991 and 1995.
According to reports, Rates Technology has already licensed
the technology to around 700 companies, including Microsoft,
Verizon and IBM. The firm has also reportedly taken legal action
against firms such as Cablevision and Alcatel for alleged
infringement.
Google has denied any breach. "We believe the lawsuit is
without merit and we will defend against it vigorously,” said a
Google spokesman.
