Stream Theory files lawsuit over patent infringement

Stream Theory, a provider of streaming application technology, has filed a lawsuit to protect one of its longest standing technology patents - alleging infringement from three rival firms.

The US patent relates to "Method and apparatus to allow remotely located computer programs and/or data to be accessed on a local computer in a secure, time-limited manner, with persistent caching," and was issued on September 17th 2002.

The company asserts that the patent was initially submitted on June 16th 1997, and is believed to be the earliest patent in the field of software streaming. The lawsuit alleges that rival streaming technology providers Exent, AppStream and Softricity have wilfully infringed on the patent and Stream Theory is seeking undisclosed damages and an injunction against all three defendants in the case.

The exact details of the lawsuit - filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California - including the nature or level of infringement alleged is unknown at this time and a date for the hearing has yet to be confirmed.