Here is another VoIP lawsuit which has been filed by Agere Systems against Microsoft for swiping its VoIP technology secrets. The charges look serious as the company states that during the period between 2002 and 2003 Microsoft collected its confidential information regarding internet videoconferencing when it was interested in acquiring it. Agere states that just before the contract was to be signed Microsoft ended the negotiations by claiming that it had achieved a breakthrough in its own undisclosed efforts. Agere terms this breakthrough was nothing but its own proprietary technology which was used by Microsoft for developing its own products.

The company is looking for a ban against any of the products being sold by Microsoft which uses its technology but as of now it has not been able to figure out the products which are using its technology. It is also seeking damages from Microsoft. On the other hand Microsoft states that it will comment on this issue only after reviewing the lawsuit.

Has Agere taken some inspiration from Verizon? Microsoft has already announced some VoIP products and Agere has struck its axe at the right time. I don't think Agere will be able to shake up a company of the stature of Microsoft but if succeeds it will surely give a setback to Microsoft's VoIP ambition. Let's see whether there is any truth in Agere allegations.