Spotify Slapped With Patent Infringement Suit

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Well, that was fast, wasn’t it? Our own Robert Nelson brought you tales of Spotify’s United States launch just over two weeks ago, but now we’ve got new news regarding the music service: they’re getting hit with a patent infringement suit.

And no, before you ask, it’s not Lodsys. It’s actually a group called PacketVideo, who developed a software package for users to watch video and listen to music without the need for wires. PacketVideo believes that Spotify’s system violates their patent, which they got way back in 1997 when they acquired a Swiss company named Basel. PacketVideo further believes that Spotify is using PacketVideo’s patent to provide their service in the first place.

Interestingly, PacketVideo has reportedly been licensing out said patent to a whole lot of companies, Verizon Wireless among them, and their software can be found in millions of devices worldwide, which definitely gives their suit a lot of credence. What’s more, PacketVideo reportedly tried getting in touch with Spotify about this matter as far back as May, until now, when they’re launching their suit. They’re seeking an injunction and damages, along with, naturally, attorney’s fees.

Spotify, for its part, doesn’t believe that PacketVideo has a case worthy of the name, and intends to fight back with proof that its systems are proprietary and wholly developed in house.

This is one of those times when I’m left of two minds about it. While I’m certainly no lawyer, the patent does seem really very broad, so it’s likely going to be difficult to enforce. Especially since Spotify has been operating for years without incident. But at the same time, PacketVideo’s in a whole lot of devices in a whole lot of places, so it’s not like they’re lacking credibility here.

So I’ll leave it up to you to make the call. Do you think PacketVideo’s got the kind of case it needs to go after Spotify? Or is Spotify quite safe? No matter what your opinion on this matter, head on down to the comments section and let us know just what it is!