IBM sues Amazon over patents used in web retail

NEW YORK - International Business Machines (IBM) on Monday said it had filed two patent infringement lawsuits against online retailer Amazon.com over key technologies for the internet service.

The suits accuse Amazon of willfully violating technology patents covering such services as allowing users to order items from an electronic catalogue and displaying advertising in an interactive service.

"Dating back to September 2002, IBM has notified Amazon.com numerous times of the infringement, but Amazon.com has shown no willingness to have meaningful discussions," IBM said in a statement.

Other services IBM maintains are covered by its patents deal with storing data in an interactive network, and presenting applications in an interactive service.

The suits were filed in two separate US District Courts for the Eastern District of Texas, IBM said.

Amazon officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Amazon shares slipped 8 cents to US$32.49 ($49.21) in morning trade on Nasdaq. IBM gained 98 cents to US$91.46 on the New York Stock Exchange.

- REUTERS