Microsoft Says Alcatel Patent Complaint May Stem From Lucent MergerMicrosoft Says Alcatel Patent Complaint May Stem From Lucent Merger

Anticipating its successful acquisition of Lucent Technologies, Alcatel wasted no time in flexing its intellectual property muscles by suing Microsoft for what it said were infringements of patents for digital video and communication network intellectual property. (The merger is to be finalized on Nov. 30.)

Microsoft responded Tuesday, noting that Alcatel's filings appear to be connected to earlier litigation between Lucent and Microsoft. Microsoft has contested Lucent's earlier filings.

"Alcatel's recent filing appears related to long-standing patent litigation between Lucent and Microsoft in U.S. District Court in San Diego, which Alcatel is inheriting as part of its merger with Lucent," said Guy Esnouf, Microsoft spokesperson, in an e-mail. "Alcatel filed its claims this past Friday -- the same day that its merger with Lucent was approved by the U.S. government."

In the previous litigation, Microsoft was accused of using in its Xbox 360 game system video-related IP Lucent that had developed. The action seeks royalties from Microsoft and some of its customers.

Alcatel claims Microsoft infringed on seven patents that appear to cover a wide range of video IP as well as the Xbox claim.

"We are unable to comment on the specifics of the case until we have a chance to review the complaint in more detail," Esnouf said.