Patent Lawsuit Challenges Google Talk

eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

Google Inc.s instant message and Internet phone feature, Google Talk, has been hit by patent infringement allegations.

Rates Technology Inc. based in Hauppauge, N.Y., filed suit against Google in a New York federal court in October, alleging that Google Talk illegally uses its technology for billing people for phone calls made over Internet connections.

Google Talk is the search giants combination of instant messaging and VOIP (voice over IP).

/zimages/1/28571.gifAdd-ins instantly pop up for Google Talk. Click here to read more.

Google said in a statement Wednesday, “We believe the lawsuit is without merit and we will defend against it vigorously.”

The Web site Search Engine Watch reported upon the suit this week.

/zimages/1/28571.gifClick here for more details on Googles IM and VOIP service.

U.S. District Judge E. Thomas Boyle last heard the case on Dec. 6.

Neither Boyles clerk nor attorneys representing Rates Technology responded Wednesday to requests for comment.

/zimages/1/28571.gifCheck out eWEEK.coms for more on IM and other collaboration technologies.