NetZero Sues Juno

NetZero Inc. sued rival free Internet access provider Juno Online Services Inc. for allegedly infringing on technology used to display messages or advertisements in a window for as long as a user stays online. NetZero accuses Juno of infringing on its patented on-screen window that constantly displays links, buttons or advertisements, according to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. The patent was issued Dec. 5. Juno’s Web site says users can get free Internet access if they agree to have a floating window on their computer screen that displays special offers. Westlake Village-based NetZero continuously displays online ads on its customers’ computer screens as a condition of providing free Internet access. New York-based Juno “does not believe we are infringing on any valid claim,” Chief Executive Charles Ardai said. Juno shares fell 25 cents to close at 69 cents, while NetZero shares closed up 3 cents at 78 cents, both on Nasdaq.