GraphOn files patent suit against Google

In what seems to be a modus operandi for GraphOn, it is once again filing a patent infringement suit against a major Internet player--this time Google.

Claiming Google infringes on its patents, which were acquired along with its purchase of Network Engineering Software (NES) back in 1995, GraphOn has filed suit against the search giant in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Texas. The suit claims technologies in Google's Base, AdWords, Blogger, Sites and YouTube online services infringe GraphOn's patents for its "unique method of maintaining and automated and network-accessible database." GraphOn seeks permanent injunctive relief along with unspecified damages.

The lawsuit is just one in a series similar to other GraphOn suits against AutoTrader.com, Juniper Networks, Classified Ventures, IAC/InterActiveCorp, Match.com, Yahoo, eHarmony and CareerBuilder. And the company probably won't stop there. As its CEO Robert Dilworth says:

"The number of patents now owned by GraphOn as a result of the NES acquisition has increased to 23, a number that is expected to continue to increase as patent applications on file at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office mature into issued patents. Aggressively protecting the technology represented in these patents is an important part of maximizing their value to GraphOn."

Perhaps its a good strategy for the small software firm, as AutoTrader has since settled its suit via a license agreement with GraphOn. The rest of the suits, however, are still ongoing.