Google Maps is under fire again as a Louisiana company, Transcenic Inc., is accusing Microsoft and Google of violating its patent on 3D mapping technology and stealing the technology that makes services, such as Google Street View, possible.
Transcenic Inc. has filed two lawsuits against Google and Microsoft. Against Google, Transcenic claims that Google Street View illegally used their technology. They also accuse Microsoft of stealing their technology through its Streetside program that lets users see a 3D rendering of places around the world. Google and Microsoft are the major offenders in Transcenic’s lawsuit, however, not the only ones. They are also suing AOL and Mapquest to a smaller degree for their use of 360 View technology.
That alleged misuse “has injured Transcenic and Transcenic is entitled to recover damages adequate to compensate for such infringement,” the company said in its filing. What this means is very uncertain and it can be guaranteed that lawyers on every side will have their own opinion on what counts as “entitlement”. If Transcenic Inc. can prove that their patent was violated then they might receive a huge cash bundle. However, It is more likely that this issue will be settled out of court and that Transcenic will be given a non-disclosed amount to settle the matter quietly.
This is the first time Google Maps has been sued for allegedly stealing technology but not the first time Google Maps has been used. A Judge recently ruled that the company could be placed under legal fire for gathering data illegally over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Because of this and what can be considered “invasion of privacy” Google Street View is not allowed to operate in or create view of India.
Source: Huffington Post
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