The patent licensees for the University of California filed suit against Facebook Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Walt Disney Co. on Wednesday, claiming the companies are infringing on some of its patents.
The licensee, Eolas Technologies Inc., says the three organizations are unlawfully using the university’s patents for interactive technology, including hypermedia display and interaction. Eolas Technologies, a Texas-based company, was founded to help the University of California commercialize and monetize its patents.
A University of California spokesman said in a statement that it "should be paid a fair value when a third party exploits that university asset for profit."
A Facebook spokesman denied any wrongdoing and said the social media company will fight the accusations vigorously, while a Wal-Mart spokesman said the retailer takes the claims seriously and plans to investigate the matter.
Read more about this case in the Chicago Tribune.
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