BT sues Steam-powered Valve Software over patent infringement claims

BT files suit after Valve ignores its patent claims over the Steam Library, Chat, Messaging and Broadcasting services

BT has turned its legal guns on Valve Software and its Steam gaming service, claiming that the company is infringing the telecoms giant's intellectual property.

According to a 111-page legal complaint aimed at Steam, the service infringes on several of BT's patents, including the storage of third-party video games, as well as the broadcasting of games content, online chat and messaging features.

BT claims that it has made a number of attempts to speak to Valve about the alleged infringements, according to the filing, but the company has not responded.

"Despite BT's repeated attempts to reach an amicable resolution with Valve, and BT's numerous requests that Valve stop infringing the [patents], Valve has continued to infringe wilfully and wantonly," claimed BT in the legal document.

"Valve's internet-based digital distribution platform for video games, Steam, is the largest in the world and supports thousands of games, some of which have been developed by Valve itself and some of which have been developed by others."

BT claims that Valve is infringing four patents, with Valve's Steam Library, Steam Chat, Steam Messaging and Steam Broadcasting services fingered.

The complaint said that the patents, named as Newton, Gittins, Beddus and Buckley, cover actions such as the periodic automated sending of emails.

"BT brings this action to recover the just compensation it is owed for Valve's past infringement, and to prevent Valve from continuing to benefit from the patented inventions in the future without authorisation or compensation to BT," said BT.

Computing asked Valve for its response to the lawsuit but has not yet received a response. BT, however, did have something to say about the importance of its patents.

"BT can confirm that it has commenced legal proceedings against Valve Corporation by filing a claim with the US District Court of Delaware for patent infringement," the company said in a statement.

"The patents in question relate to online computer or video gaming platforms, digital distribution services, and personalised access to online services and content.

"BT's constant investment in innovation has seen it develop a large portfolio of patents which are valuable corporate assets, so it is only right that BT protects its investment."

It isn't the first time that BT has tried to assert its trove of technology patents in a bid to generate revenues. Fifteen years ago, the company claimed a patent that covered the hyperlink, and even went so far as taking a US ISP to court.

However, that campaign died an ignominious death when the case was thrown out.