BlackBerry Suing Facebook Over Supposed Patent Infringement Involving Messenger

Facebook Messenger is now one of the most popular messaging services in the world, which isn’t surprising given that it’s the only option of Facebook users to chat with friends on mobile devices. Now, BlackBerry is suing the social network over accusations of patent infringement, claiming that Messenger was built on technology that it invented.

Since the start of the smartphone era, BlackBerry has lost its grip on much of the mobile marketplace, and even its main demographic of users in business and politics have since dropped it. However, it’s also worth pointing out that the fallen giant was once a king of the mobile phone industry, creating innovative technologies during its reign. According to the company, the backbone of Messenger is one such technology, the Los Angeles Times reports.

In an email sent by a BlackBerry spokesperson to the publication, the company is claiming that Facebook used its technology to create its messaging app without asking for permission from the smartphone maker. It seems the two companies have already spoken about the matter and when nothing came of it, BlackBerry decided to file the lawsuit.

"We 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," the email reads.

The lawsuit also apparently include WhatsApp and Instagram, Reuters reports, though details are still a bit sparse right now. However, it is clear that BlackBerry wants Facebook to stop operation of its messaging services and even its primary social media app.

In response to the lawsuit, deputy general counsel at Facebook, Paul Grewal says that the social network intends to fight this lawsuit. He also notes that this move is nothing more than BlackBerry attempting to make money off of the innovation made by others because it has given up on its own efforts.