Macromedia claims it owns Adobe patent

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Software-maker Macromedia Inc. is claiming it owns the patent to Adobe Systems Inc.'s popular Photoshop program, according to a suit filed in federal court Friday.

Macromedia, of San Francisco, alleges that the technology behind San Jose-based Adobe's Photoshop and GoLive programs was patented by Macromedia in 1998. The programs are used for creating and editing Web sites and other uses.

Photoshop is a best-selling product for Adobe, a $1.3 billion company and the nation's leading desktop publishing software maker. The latest retail price for the newest version is $609. GoLive, a Web-authoring tool, sells for $284.

Macromedia is asking a judge to block Adobe from selling the software and seeking "damages in an amount not yet determined."

No court date has been set. Adobe was not immediately available for comment.

The case is Macromedia v. Adobe, C01-3940.

In the news

Loading...

Currently in Salon

  • A congressman writes to his constituents: "Thank God for gerrymandering"
  • How does a serial killer drama cross the line? With gallons of fake blood and one heartless, season-ending twist
  • Help Salon count down the 10 nuttiest newsmakers in the last 12 months, and pick our No. 1
  • Conservative Jones, boy detective, tackles the mystery of healthcare reform
  • The golf legend's harem of Hooters beauties and porn stars is a metaphor for our quick-and-dirty times
  • Fighting wars without public support or for undisclosed reasons is profoundly undemocratic
  • A new comic romps through one of philosophy's greatest debates
  • Who do you want to celebrate the holidays with? Plus: Last week's holiday host drink winners
  • It's time to turn it over. It's time to just heal
  • Salon Bar Challenge: Our winner has no hard feelings, with the help of a little vodka, chamomile and pomegranate

Other News