In a report released February 1, Search Engine Land’s Danny Sullivan broke a story about a “sting operation” run by Google against Microsoft in an attempt to prove that Microsoft’s Bing search engine copies Google’s search results. Google engineers apparently injected illogical entries in Google search results and found that the same bad data found its way into Bing’s results some time later. Microsoft has denied that it copied Google’s search algorithm. However, it has admitted to culling search data from users who install the Bing toolbar, opting-in to send use data to Microsoft servers. “While I expect an ongoing media battle to be waged by both sides over this issue, I do not expect to see Google file a lawsuit over the alleged copying,” says Andrew Martin, a technology and new media attorney with Scott & Scott, LLP. “Unless Google somehow managed to copy Google’s search algorithm, U.S. copyright laws probably provide no remedy for this kind of activity.” For more information, please contact Mr. Martin at 800-596-6176 or amartin@scottandscottllp.com.
About the author
Andrew Martin:
As an associate attorney with extensive prior experience advising information technology start-ups, Andrew’s practice focuses on finding solutions for his clients’ intellectual property issues. Due to his extensive experience in the software and technology industries, Andrew understands both the practical and legal issues involved in IP licensing agreements and disputes. In addition to licensing, Andrew helps his clients find new ways to use existing technologies to assist his clients in areas such as data privacy compliance. Andrew uses his diverse background which includes founding a record label and working for a world-wide concert promoter when counseling the firm’s entertainment clients.
Get in touch: amartin@scottandscottllp.com | 800.596.6176