News

Microsoft files patent infringement lawsuits against Barnes & Noble

March 21, 2011

According to the Los Angeles DailyNews.com, Microsoft Corp. has filed patent infringement lawsuits, related to the Android-based Nook e-reader, against Barnes & Noble, and two Taiwanese manufacturers, Inventec and Foxconn International Holdings.

Microsoft is seeking triple damages based on willful infringement of five patents, legal costs and an injunction against further infringement, according to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Seattle. Microsoft also filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission.

Barnes & Noble's Nook e-reader and Nook Color devices are based on Android system software.

Microsoft claims that the Nook e-reader devices, and software, tread on patented technology by displaying content before loading background images, which allows users to view pages faster. Other patent infringements, according to Microsoft, include
technology indicating download status, selecting and annotating text in documents and opening windows to make navigating easier.

According to a company blog, Horacio Gutierrez, Microsoft’s deputy general counsel, wrote, "Our firm view remains, however, that licensing is the best way forward for the industry, and we will continue to prefer the licensing path to litigation."

Microsoft, which is based in Redmond, Wash., says Barnes & Noble, Inventec and Foxconn have continued to be unwilling to sign a licensing agreement.