A federal jury in Waco, Texas, has ruled that Google (GOOGL.O) infringed upon the patent rights of software developer Touchstream Technologies with its remote-streaming technology. As a result, Google has been ordered to pay $338.7 million in damages. The jury found that Google’s popular Chromecast and other devices violated patents owned by Touchstream Technologies, specifically relating to the streaming of videos from one screen to another.
Touchstream, also known as Shodogg, filed a lawsuit in 2021, claiming that their founder, David Strober, had invented the technology in 2010. This technology allowed users to “move” videos from a small device, like a smartphone, to a larger device, such as a television. Touchstream alleged that Google met with them in December 2011 to discuss the technology but later showed no interest. However, in 2013, Google introduced its own Chromecast media-streaming devices, which, according to Touchstream, copied their innovations and infringed upon three of their patents.
In response to the verdict, a Google spokesperson, Jose Castaneda, stated that the company would appeal the decision, asserting that they have always developed technology independently and competed fairly based on their own ideas.
Castaneda said ” the company will appeal the verdict and always developed technology independently and competed on the merits of our ideas”.
On the other hand, Touchstream’s attorney, Ryan Dykal, expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision.
The patents in question were also alleged to have been infringed by Google’s Home and Nest smart speakers, as well as third-party televisions and speakers with Chromecast capabilities. Google, however, denied any infringement and argued that Touchstream’s patents were invalid.
Touchstream has previously filed similar complaints against cable providers Comcast, Charter, and Altice in Texas, but those cases are still pending.
