BT latest to sue Google over patent allegations

TELECOMS giant BT yesterday became the latest in a flurry of companies issuing lawsuits against internet giant Google alleging patent infringements.

BT is seeking unspecified damages, with its case focusing on six patents relating to technology used in Google’s Android mobile system, its search site and its Google Maps service.

The telecoms group has filed legal proceedings at the US district court of Delaware and is seeking damages as well as an injunction against Google’s continued use of its innovations. The move follows recent legal claims against Google’s Android system by a number of companies including Apple, Microsoft and Oracle.

It sparked a verbal crossfire between the parties yesterday. A BT spokesman said yesterday: “This is about protecting BT’s investment in its intellectual property rights and innovation..”

But a Google spokeswoman said the claims were “groundless and we will vigorously defend them”.

Analysts said that if the BT legal action was successful, Google or mobile handset makers would have to pay royalties to the UK firm on each Android handset.

In documents submitted to the courts, BT claims Google offers a range of products and services that “incorporate” technology invented by it before the American giant was founded.

BT claims Google Music, Android, Google Plus, Google Maps, Google Books and eBooks all infringe BT’s patents.