BlackBerry sues Facebook over messaging tool patent infringement

Posted on Wednesday, March 07 2018 @ 10:55 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Blackberry
In a surprising turn of events, BlackBerry filed a legal suit accusing Facebook and its WhatsApp and Instagram units of patent infringement. The former smartphone giant claims the three services based their messaging technology on intellectual property from the BlackBerry Messenger.

BlackBerry says the patent suit is its last resort as years of talks with the three companies did not result in a licensing deal.
"We have a lot of respect for Facebook and the value they’ve placed on messaging capabilities, some of which were invented by BlackBerry. 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," the company said in a statement.

"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."
Facebook said it plans to fight the case. Full details at The Register.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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