I.B.M., the holder of the largest patent storehouse in corporate America, often finds itself defending itself against patent claims from aggressive plaintiffs, seeking a payout.
But I.B.M. became the aggressor yesterday when it filed two lawsuits against Amazon.com, contending that the company has built its big online retail business on technology developed by I.B.M.
The suits, filed in two federal courts in Texas, seek unspecified damages, but I.B.M. says that Amazon’s infringement is broad, suggesting the potential for a sizable judgment or settlement. An I.B.M. spokesman said the figure could run to hundreds of millions of dollars.
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Frank Wilson is a retired teacher with over 30 years of combined experience in the education, small business technology, and real estate business. He now blogs as a hobby and spends most days tinkering with old computers. Wilson is passionate about tech, enjoys fishing, and loves drinking beer.
