Liquid Audio Sues InfoSplit Over Patents

Internet music distributor Liquid Audio Inc. filed a lawsuit accusing InfoSplit Inc. of using its patented technology to determine the geographic location of Web users.

InfoSplit Chief Executive Cyril Houri said the lawsuit is without merit. Closely held InfoSplit helps businesses target marketing efforts by determining the geographic location of Internet users and Web sites.

Liquid Audio claims InfoSplit’s products infringe a Liquid Audio patent, issued in November 2000. The Redwood City, Calif.-based company seeks damages and a court order blocking InfoSplit from selling infringing products.

Liquid Audio shares rose 1 cent to $2.41 on Nasdaq. They had fallen 19% in the last year.