Maine firm sues Microsoft over Windows 8 elements

PORTLAND, Maine – A small technology company based in Portland, Maine, has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Microsoft over elements included in Windows 8.

SurfCast Inc. filed the complaint Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Portland asking for unspecified damages.

The lawsuit claims Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft Corp. is using elements known as live tiles, rectangular icons linked to websites, apps and other items. SurfCast says it developed the elements in the 1990s.

The lawsuit claims Microsoft is using the tiles technology on operating systems including the recently launched Windows 8, found on personal computers, phones, tablets and other devices.

Microsoft says it's confident it can prove the claims are without merit.