Variety is reporting that Blackberry has sued Facebook, as well as it's Instagram and WhatsApp subsidiaries claiming that they co-opted Blackberry's mobile-messaging technology. Blackberry alleges that Facebook and its companies created mobile-messaging applications infringe on BlackBerry patents covering security, user interface features, battery-efficient status updates, and integrating mobile messaging in games. Blackberry is seeking an injunction that would effectively force Facebook to shut down all applications and websites, as well as unspecified monetary damages.
While I can't give an opinion on the strength of the suit having seen none of the evidence, I would love to see the injunction happen just to see how many people would break down. The lawsuit claims that Facebook's apps infringe on seven patents, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,372,961; 8,279,173; 8,209,634; 8,301,713; 8,429,236; 8,677,250; and 9,349,120, if someone wants to look them up.
In a statement, BlackBerry said, “As a cybersecurity and embedded software leader, BlackBerry’s view is that Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could make great partners in our drive toward a securely connected future, and we continue to hold this door open to them. However, we have a strong claim that Facebook has infringed on our intellectual property, and after several years of dialogue, we also have an obligation to our shareholders to pursue appropriate legal remedies.”
While I can't give an opinion on the strength of the suit having seen none of the evidence, I would love to see the injunction happen just to see how many people would break down. The lawsuit claims that Facebook's apps infringe on seven patents, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,372,961; 8,279,173; 8,209,634; 8,301,713; 8,429,236; 8,677,250; and 9,349,120, if someone wants to look them up.
In a statement, BlackBerry said, “As a cybersecurity and embedded software leader, BlackBerry’s view is that Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could make great partners in our drive toward a securely connected future, and we continue to hold this door open to them. However, we have a strong claim that Facebook has infringed on our intellectual property, and after several years of dialogue, we also have an obligation to our shareholders to pursue appropriate legal remedies.”