Heavyweight giants Apple, Google and Microsoft sued

Apple, Google and Microsoft were at the recieving end this time when a small Indiana company, Cygnus filed a lawsuit against them claiming infringement.

The software in question relates to a common file preview feature used by the browsers and operating systems developed by the above mentioned companies. It shows users small snapshots of the files before they are opened.

The patent in question (#7346850) was applied for by Cygnus in 2001. It includes a “System and method for iconic software environment management”. It was granted in March of this year.

Cygnus’s owner and president Gregory Swartz developed the technology laid out in the patent while working on IT consulting projects, McAndrews said. The company is looking for “a reasonable royalty” as well as a court injunction preventing further infringement, he said.

According to Matt McAndrews, on behalf of Haller & Nero, the law firm representing Cygnus, they have identified other vendors too who may have infringing products and will take action soon.