SMS Patent Suit Targets 131 Companies

By Geoff Duncan November 14, 2007

SMS Patent Suit Targets 131 Companies

Another day, another patent infringement lawsuit. Technology Patents LLC, a patent holding firm incorporated in Maryland, has filed a parent infringement lawsuit against 131 different companies for allegedly infringing on a pair of patents related to international SMS text messaging.

The two patents (6,646,542 and RE39,870) detail a method of delivering text messages internationally, using the Internet as a packet-switched network to reach a broadcast mobile network in the destination country. The second patent is a continuation of the first; it was issued in October.

In the complaint, Technology Patents LLC founder Aris Mardirissian asserts jurisdiction over SMS functionality that can be sent or received in Technology Patents’ home state of Maryland. Mardirossian names 131 companies in the complaint, including Microsoft, Motorola, Yahoo, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and a host of domestic and international mobile operators. Technology Patents is asking for a permanent injunction against all the infringing parties, to have U.S. carriers shut down international SMS capabilities, and unspecified monetary damages.

Technology Patents’ lawsuit will likely have to overcome new standards for “obviousness” in technology patents resulting from a recent Supreme Court decision. Industry watchers have also been quick to look into Mardirossian’s background, which seems to include defamation lawsuits and a fine for attempting to make political contributions using his childrens’ names.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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