Northeastern University, based in Boston, is suing Google claiming that the online search service has misappropriated technology that was developed by university professors.
Northeastern professors say in 1997 they patented a specific index system which lead to fast web search results. Google was incorporated and began using its web search technology in 1998. Northeasten claims Google technology closely resembles its patented version.
A Google spokesperson says the lawsuit is without merit.
The case was filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Marshall last week. The court is known for its specialization in lawsuits involving patents.
Source: http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2007/11/10/northeastern_sues_google_over_patent/
