Microsoft and Apple hit with mobile patent suit

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A small Israeli software company is taking on both Microsoft and Apple, accusing the two companies of infringing its media streaming technology patents.

Emblaze claimed that it has been developing the technology for over a decade but now two of the biggest tech players are using it without permission in the Microsoft's IIS Smooth Streaming system and Apple's HTTP Live Streaming Application - used in iPhones, iPod Touch and iPad devices.

The company claimed to have notified the US firms, offering them the option of a licence to continue to use the technology. Apple and Microsoft must respond by 15 March.

Naftali Shani, chairman of Emblaze, said in a statement: "Emblaze has made substantial investment into research and development to build a rich portfolio of intellectual property over many years.”

“While we are happy to license our technology to third parties, we will vigorously defend our rights and our competitive position".

IT PRO contacted Apple but the company declined to comment. We also contacted Microsoft but it had not responded to our request at the time of publication.

Eblaze plans on using the technology in new mobile devices called Else, set for release later this year.

Apple is already in a long term battle with mobile manufacturers Nokia as both sides have accused each other of patent infringement, while Microsoft is set to appeal a patent case surrounding Word that it lost back in December.

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