Amazon’s Echo infringes ‘voice search’ patents, claims suit
A US-based IP licensing company has filed a complaint against Amazon, claiming that Amazon’s Echo, and its incorporated voice assistant Alexa, infringes two of its patents.
The suit was filed yesterday August 6 at the US District Court for the Western District of Texas by Parus Holdings, which said Amazon was wilfully infringing its patents (US numbers 7,076,431 and 9,451,084).
The patents cover technology for voice portals that provide access to news, weather, sports, financial, entertainment and other content.
They also cover a system that allows users to browse websites and retrieve information by using conversational voice commands.
In its complaint, Parus said Amazon directly infringes the patents by making and selling products that include its Alexa virtual assistant.
It said Amazon’s Echo infringes the patents because it comprises a system for retrieving information from pre-selected websites by uttering speech commands into a voice-enabled device”.
Parus also claimed Amazon indirectly infringes the patent by instructing customers and developers to use its patented technology.
According to the filing, Amazon had knowledge of the ‘431 patent since 2007 when Parus first sent the company a notice of infringement.
It said Amazon had been aware of the ‘084 patent since February 2018.
Did you enjoy reading this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.
Today's top stories:
Singapore and WIPO unite to lower copyright dispute costs
Amazon’s Echo infringes ‘voice search’ patents, claims suit
Japan’s FTC investigates claims Apple demanded IP from parts makers
Already registered?
Login to your account
If you don't have a login or your access has expired, you will need to purchase a subscription to gain access to this article, including all our online content.
For more information on individual annual subscriptions for full paid access and corporate subscription options please contact us.
To request a FREE 2-week trial subscription, please signup.
NOTE - this can take up to 48hrs to be approved.
For multi-user price options, or to check if your company has an existing subscription that we can add you to for FREE, please email Adrian Tapping at atapping@newtonmedia.co.uk