Yahoo Files Patent Suits Against Facebook For Social Networking, Messaging

When Facebook was shooting up in popularity, everyone wanted to hang out with them and get something going, including Yahoo. But Yahoo has had enough of Mark Zuckerberg, it seems, as they’re filing patent suits against Facebook claiming it’s using technologies they developed without paying any licensing fees.

Yahoo wanted Facebook to pay fees for at least 10 patents, says the Washington Post, and as the court filing indicates, those patents involve technologies for advertising, privacy, social networking, messaging and allowing users to customize their Web experience.

Yahoo has issued a statement on the kerfuffle with Facebook, saying they’re the ones who did all the research to develop “numerous patented inventions of technology” which other companies have licensed to use.

“These technologies are the foundation of our business that engages over 700 million monthly unique visitors and represent the spirit of innovation upon which Yahoo! is built. Unfortunately, the matter with Facebook remains unresolved, and we are compelled to seek redress in federal court. We are confident that we will prevail.”

Facebook brings up their partnership with Yahoo over the years to voice their displeasure with the lawsuits, saying:

“We’re disappointed that Yahoo, a longtime business partner of Facebook and a company that has substantially benefited from its association with Facebook, has decided to resort to litigation. Once again, we learned of Yahoo’s decision simultaneously with the media. We will defend ourselves vigorously against these puzzling actions.”

Tech companies have been suing each other left and right, it seems — Samsung, HTC, Motorola, Apple and Microsoft are all embroiled somehow. In this case it might be at the urging of new Yahoo CEO, Scott Thompson, say reports. He’s caused a few shakeups already, with co-founder Jerry Yang and chairman Roy Bostock announcing their imminent departures from the company.

Yahoo files patent suit against Facebook [Washington Post]

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