Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., is set to face a federal jury in Boston over allegations of patent infringement in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Singular Computing, founded by Massachusetts-based Joseph Bates, claims that Google copied its patented technology to power AI features in various Google products, including Google Search, Gmail, and Google Translate. Singular is seeking up to $7 billion in monetary damages, which would be a record-breaking amount for a patent infringement award in the US.
According to the lawsuit, Bates shared his computer-processing innovations with Google between 2010 and 2014, and Singular alleges that Google’s processors, known as Tensor Processing Units, use the same technology and infringe upon two patents. These circuits reportedly have an improved architecture that Bates discovered, enabling greater processing power.
Google, however, has refuted the allegations, calling Singular’s patents dubious. The company maintains that it independently developed its processors over several years and that they work differently compared to Singular’s patented technology. In a court filing, Google stated that its engineers had mixed feelings about Bates’ technology and explicitly informed him that it was not suitable for the applications they were working on.
In a separate case, the US appeals court in Washington will also hear arguments regarding the validity of Singular’s patents. Google has appealed against the US Patent and Trademark Office‘s decision, further complicating the legal battle between the two parties.
The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for Google and the AI technology industry as a whole. With the increasing importance of AI in various sectors, the issue of patent infringement becomes crucial in protecting intellectual property rights. The trial will serve as a litmus test for the credibility of Singular’s claims and Google’s defense.
It remains to be seen whether the federal jury will support Singular’s allegations and award the substantial damages they seek or side with Google’s argument of independent development. The decision will provide valuable insights into the intersection of AI technology and patent infringement, setting precedents for future disputes in this evolving field.
