The lawsuit accuses Trend Micro of using Webroot's patented malware detection, network security, and endpoint protection technologies without authorization. Credit: Thinkstock Security endpoint protection vendor Webroot has filed a patent infringement complaint against competitor Trend Micro accusing it of implementing patented technology in its security software and systems without authorization. According to an official document from the Unites States District Court, Western District of Texas Waco Division, Webroot is seeking damages for lost sales, profits, and market share. The complaint has raised eyebrows within the sector and on social media.Webroot seeks damages against Trend Micro, claims lost sales and market shareWebroot has brought the action to seek damages for and to stop Trend Micro’s infringement of its patents in the judicial district and elsewhere in the United States from which it claimed to have lost sales, profits, and suffered irreparable harm including lost market share and goodwill, the complaint read. “This case involves patented technologies that helped to revolutionize, and have become widely adopted in, the fields of malware detection, network security, and endpoint protection” and are used in security products such as Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus, it continued.“Trend Micro’s infringing security software includes, but is not limited to, Apex One, Smart Protection Network, Deep Discovery XDR – Detection and response, Deep Discovery Endpoint Sensor, DeepSecurity, and Cloud One-Workload Security, (collectively, “Trend Micro Security Suite” or “Accused Products”),” the document stated. The complaint continued that Trend Micro has, directly and through its extensive network of partnerships, purposefully and voluntarily placed its infringing products and provided services into the stream of commerce with the intention and expectation that they will be purchased and used by customers in the district. Trend Micro has also performed these infringing acts through other entities such as resellers, managed service providers, and cybersecurity experts located in the district, it added. Webroot-Trend Micro patent infringement complaint causes Twitter stirWebroot’s patent infringement complaint against Trend Micro has caused quite a stir on social media, with users taking to Twitter to condemn Webroot’s actions. The official Twitter page for MalwareHunterTeam posted: “Webroot could not choose a better time to become a patent troll, right? Couldn’t see a good reason to use Webroot before this happened anyway, and now…” It added that Webroot’s “irreparable harm” may have only just begun due its own actions. Another user claimed that, while the case may earn Webroot “some nickels,” it will impact its ability to attract “real customers.”CSO will continue to follow this story and post updates. Related content news Spam blocklist SORBS shuts down after over two decades The service was unsustainable but those in the email deliverability industry expressed mixed feelings about the closure. By Evan Schuman Jun 07, 2024 4 mins Email Security Antispam news analysis New RansomHub ransomware gang has ties to older Knight group File encryption malware used by RansomHub appears to be a modified variant of the Knight ransomware, also known as Cyclops. By Lucian Constantin Jun 07, 2024 4 mins Hacker Groups Ransomware Hacking feature Whitelisting explained: How it works and where it fits in a security program Whitelisting locks down computers so only approved applications can run. Is the security worth the administrative hassle? By Josh Fruhlinger and CSO Staff Jun 07, 2024 10 mins Email Security Application Security Data and Information Security interview How Amazon CISO Amy Herzog responds to cybersecurity challenges Amazon CISO for devices and advertising products and services describes how her team works with product and devops teams to ensure products are cybersecure. By David Strom Jun 07, 2024 5 mins Security Practices Vulnerabilities Security PODCASTS VIDEOS RESOURCES EVENTS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe