- Project Loon aims to use balloons to bring Wi-Fi access around the world
- But, Space Data Corporation argues the project infringes on their patents
- The two firms signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement almost 10 years ago
- Google started tests on Project Loon in Sri Lanka earlier this year
Just a few months ago, Google began the first tests on its balloon-powered Wi-Fi service, 'Project Loon.'
The concept works using a network of balloons, which travel along the edge of space to bring internet access to even the most remote areas of the world.
But now, a company called Space Data Corporation has filed a complaint against the firm, arguing that the project infringes on patents from over a decade ago, and breaks their Non-Disclosure Agreement.
Google's 'Project Loon'aims to use a network of balloons, which travel along the edge of space to bring internet access to even remote areas. But, a company called Space Data has filed a complaint against the firm, arguing that the project infringes on two patents from over a decade ago
In a document filed to Northern California District Court earlier this week, Space Data writes that Google's Project Loon unlawfully uses their trade secrets discussed nearly 10 years ago.
'As set forth in detail below, Project Loon improperly and unlawfully utilizes Space Data's confidential information and trade secrets which Space Data disclosed to Defendant Google pursuant to a 2007 Mutual Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement ('NDA').
The firm has two of its own balloon-based systems in operation – SkySat and SkySite – to bring connectivity to remote areas.
Space Data's 1999 and 2001 patents on balloon-network connectivity and the termination and recovery of these systems come long before the development of Project Loon
Space Data's 1999 and 2001 patents on balloon-network connectivity and the termination and recovery of these systems come long before the development of Project Loon. An image from Space Data's patent is pictured left, and Project Loon is shown on right
The complaint cites a Non-Disclosure Agreement signed in 2007 regarding the trade secrets discussed between the two companies.
And, they point out that Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page visited the Space Data headquarters, and attended a 2008 balloon release.
In the document, Space Data has even included a photo of this visit, showing Brin at the February, 2008 event.
The visit was later reported by The Wall Street Journal that same year.
Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page visited the Space Data headquarters, and attended a 2008 balloon release.
'Space Data and Google engaged in extensive discussions about Space Data's business, including its technology, and its financial model,' the complaint states.
It continued: 'Google was also given access to Space Data's balloon production line and network operation center where they saw a map of balloons in the sky and the wireless communications coverage Space Data was providing across 1/3 of the United States.'
Just a few years following the agreement and meeting, Google started work on Project Loon.
Regarding the allegations, a Google spokesperson told Daily Mail Online that the firm has 'nothing to say at this time.'
WHAT IS PROJECT LOON AND HOW DO THE BALLOONS WORK?
Project Loon is a network of balloons travelling on the edge of space, designed to connect people to the internet in remote parts of the world.
The balloons travel approximately 12 miles (20km) above the Earth's surface in the stratosphere.
Winds in the stratosphere are stratified, and each layer of wind varies in speed and direction, so Project Loon uses software algorithms to determine where its balloons need to go.
It then moves each one into a layer of wind blowing in the right direction. By moving with the wind, the balloons can be arranged to form one large communications network.
Winds in the stratosphere are stratified, and each layer of wind varies in speed and direction, so Project Loon uses algorithms to determine where its balloons need to go. It then moves each one into a layer of wind blowing in the right direction (illustrated)
The inflatable part of the balloon is called a balloon envelope made from sheets of polyethylene plastic that are 49ft (15 metres) wide and 40ft (12 metres) tall when inflated.
The balloons harness power from card table-sized solar panels that dangle below them, and they can gather enough charge in four hours to power them for a day.
Each balloon can provide connectivity to a ground area of around 25 miles (40km) in diameter using LTE, also referred to as 4G, technology.
Project Loon is partnering with with telecommunications companies and mobile networks to share cellular spectrum.
Ground stations with internet capabilities around 60 miles (100km) apart bounce signals up to the balloons.
The signals can then hop forward, from one balloon to the next, along a backbone of up to five balloons.
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