MS, Google challenge GeoTag patent

TG Daily.

GeoTag claims nearly 400 companies are using Bing maps and Google Maps - which are based on its own patented technology, it says.

The patent covers the use of mapping services to create store locators on Web sites.

According to ZDNet, the technology giants say the lawsuit, filed in the District Court of Delaware, is a result of the hundreds of suits GeoTag has lodged claiming infringement on the patent, which relates to geotagging technology.

"The suits have placed a cloud on plaintiffs' Web mapping services, have caused customers to seek relief from the plaintiffs, and have created a justiciable controversy between plaintiffs and GeoTag," the filing said.

According to Northwest Innovation, Microsoft and Google claim that patent examiners overlooked 'prior art' in granting the patent.

GeoTag acquired the patent in 1996 which covers using the Internet to access geographically and topically based information.