Google Launches Google Voice then gets Sued

Frontier Communications Corporation is claiming that Google Voice infringes on one of its patented products.

On Tuesday 22 June Google opened to the public Google Voice, its new communications service that links one phone number to multiple devices owned by the account holder – such as home phones, work, mobile – all contactable through one number – your Google number. The Voice service offers a number of extra features such as voice mail, free calling nationwide in the United States, and SMS/text messages.

However on Tuesday Frontier Communications Corp filed a complaint against Google in regards the new service. Frontier Communications claims that Google Voice infringes on one of its patents, and is asking that Google close the service and pay unspecified damages.

This complaint has been filed in the U.S. District Court – Delaware, and mentioned that Google’s deliberate infringement on the patent significantly and “irreparably” is damaging Frontier.

Frontier Communications Corporation is a Connecticut-based company that provides phone, satellite TV and Internet access. This year Frontier has seen a 1.5% decrease in market value.

Patent number 7,742,468 is in question which is described as “Systems and methods for providing enhanced telephone services” and “to be reached on multiple telephone lines from a single dial-in number.” This sure does sound similar to the new Voice service.

Now this is where it gets interesting – the patent has a date of June 22, which is the same date Google launched the Voice system.

Google spokesperson, Andrew Patterson outlined in an email that Google thinks that Frontier’s claims are without merit.

‘We’ll defend against them vigorously,’ said Andrew Patterson.

The Google Voice product is currently only available in the United States but is expected to roll out Globally at later dates.