A judge dismissed a Chantilly-based software company’s claim that Google Earth software violates its patent Wednesday.
Skyline Software Systems Inc. has created a software program entitled Digital Earth, which is a 3-D streaming visualization program enabling users to “fly over” satellite and aerial imagery of the earth, much like Google Earth. The company intends the software to assist with real estate, interactive sports, media and mapping applications and virtual tourism, according to its web site. Skyline patented its technology in 2002.
Google Earth’s software does not violate Skyline’s patent, largely because it does not render views of the Earth’s terrain, as Skyline claimed, according to judge Douglas Woodlock of the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts. If the company wants to move forward with the matter, it must file additional paperwork with the court by April 20, the judge said in his verdict. He also canceled a June trial date.
Skyline will likely appeal the decision, CEO Paul Collins said Thursday.
Skyline does not always directly compete with Google Earth for business, Collins said. The company has a version of its software dedicated to the consumer market, but more frequently targets commercial customers.
The company sells their technology to companies who then tailor it to their particular needs, he said. Skyline does run into some competition with Google in the military and defense business.
