NEWS  Google  January 13, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Google is once again in the legal spotlight as Massachusetts-based tech company Singular Computing has filed a lawsuit in federal court, alleging the theft of patented AI technology related to Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). Singular contends that Google integrated its patented technology into these AI processors after multiple meetings between Singular's founder, Joseph Bates, and Google representatives from 2010 to 2014. The lawsuit asserts that Google utilized these technologies as a foundation for AI features in various Google services, including Search, Gmail, and Translate.

The Allegations

During the trial, Singular's counsel, Kerry Timbers, informed jurors in a Boston court that Google's AI-based processors incorporated technologies shared by Bates during the meetings. Timbers presented emails from Google's current chief scientist, Jeff Dean, discussing how Singular's tech could be well-suited for Google's products. The lawsuit claims that Google's use of Singular's patented tech has significantly contributed to features embedded in its services.

Google's Defense

In response, Google's lawyer, Robert Van Nest, argued that the development team responsible for the chipsets never met with Singular's founder. Van Nest characterized Bates as a "disappointed inventor" and stated that Singular had previously approached other AI-focused companies, including Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Google contends that its chipsets are fundamentally different from those described in Singular's patents and that the designs were developed independently.

Financial Claims

Notably, Google's pretrial documents suggested that Singular Computing sought up to $7 billion in damages. However, during the trial, Singular's lawyers specified a more moderate figure, seeking $1.67 billion in damages for the alleged infringement. The discrepancy highlights the complexity of determining damages in intellectual property cases.

Google's History with TPUs

Google introduced its first Tensor Processing Unit in 2016, emphasizing their role in enhancing search results and improving services such as Street View. Since then, Google has iterated on TPUs, currently deploying fifth-generation units to train AI models over its cloud infrastructure. The trial is anticipated to last several weeks, indicating the depth and complexity of the legal dispute.

The Ongoing Legal Battle

According to the plaintiff, the alleged infringement extends to the second and third versions of Google's TPUs introduced in 2017 and 2018. In a separate legal arena, Google is also engaged in a legal battle with Singular Computing in a Washington appeals court based on an appeal filed from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Recent Legal Challenges for Google

This lawsuit adds to Google's recent legal challenges, with a high-profile ruling against the tech giant in a case brought by Epic Games. Google has appealed this decision, and in a separate settlement, the company agreed to a $700 million resolution in an antitrust lawsuit related to its Play Store. These legal battles underscore the increasing scrutiny faced by major tech companies and the evolving landscape of intellectual property disputes in the tech industry.

 COVER IMAGE: GOOGLE | ARTICLE IMAGES BY FREEPIK