In a recent legal battle, Alphabet’s Google has been found guilty of violating a software developer’s patent rights related to remote-streaming technology. A federal jury in Waco, Texas, handed down the verdict on Friday, ordering Google to pay $338.7 million in damages to Touchstream Technologies, a New York-based software company also known as Shodogg.
The lawsuit was filed by Touchstream Technologies from New York, which is now $338.7 million richer
The lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleged that Google’s popular Chromecast and other devices infringed upon Touchstream’s patents, which pertain to the technology that allows users to stream videos from one screen to another. The technology was reportedly invented by Touchstream’s founder, David Strober, in 2010, with the goal of seamlessly “moving” videos from small devices like smartphones to larger screens like televisions.
According to Touchstream’s complaint, Google had a meeting with the company in December 2011 to discuss their technology but later showed no interest. Surprisingly, Google introduced its Chromecast media-streaming devices in 2013, which Touchstream claimed were copied from their innovations and infringed upon three of their patents. Additionally, Touchstream alleged that Google’s Home and Nest smart speakers, as well as third-party televisions and speakers with Chromecast capabilities, also infringed upon their patents.
Google’s spokesperson, Jose Castaneda, responded to the verdict, stating that the company will appeal and firmly asserting that Google has always developed its technology independently and competed based on the merits of its ideas. On the other side, Touchstream’s attorney, Ryan Dykal, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, affirming that they believe in the strength of their case.
This legal battle is not an isolated incident for Touchstream, as earlier this year, they filed similar complaints against major cable providers, including Comcast, Charter, and Altice, also in Texas. Those cases are still pending resolution.
As the legal drama unfolds, industry experts and technology enthusiasts alike are keeping a close eye on the outcome. The ruling may have significant implications for the tech giant, potentially affecting the development and release of future products, and could also set a precedent for future patent infringement cases in the technology sector.
The appeal process will undoubtedly be closely monitored, and both companies will prepare to defend their positions vigorously. In the end, the final verdict may shape the landscape of intellectual property rights in the sector of digital streaming.
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(Via)
