WATERLOO, ON – BlackBerry is suing Facebook and its subsidiaries WhatsApp and Instagram for allegedly copying technology and features from BlackBerry Messenger.
According to a CNBC report, BlackBerry is claiming infringement on patents it holds covering message encryption, battery and message notifications, and combining messaging with gaming.
The report says that Blackberry is seeking injunctive relief and damages accounting for lost profits. No specific dollar figure was given.
“[W]e have a strong claim that Facebook has infringed on our intellectual property, and after several years of dialogue, we also have an obligation to our shareholders to pursue appropriate legal remedies", BlackBerry said.
"Blackberry's suit sadly reflects the current state of its messaging business. Having abandoned its efforts to innovate, Blackberry is now looking to tax the innovation of others. We intend to fight", Facebook general counsel Paul Grewal responded.
