Tech Shout!

Google Talk, the internet telephony service which at present is being tested by the Google team, has become the accused in a new lawsuit alleging that the technology infringes two patents owned by holding company Rates Technology.

Google Talk signifies 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 was available for beta testing in August and it enables users to call, email or send instant messages to other users of the service.

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 dates back to 1991 and 1995.

According to reports, Rates Technology has already licensed the technology to about 700 companies, including biggies like 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. A Google spokesman countered, We believe the lawsuit is without merit and we will defend against it vigorously.