AT&T; Claims Microsoft Is Infringing Patent

AT&T; Corp. accused Microsoft Corp. in a lawsuit of infringing patents on technology that permits speedier transmission of phone calls and video over the Internet.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New York, says AT&T; notified Microsoft in April 1999 of the alleged violation. Negotiations failed to result in a licensing agreement, the complaint says. AT&T; seeks unspecified damages.

A spokesman for Microsoft had no immediate comment on the lawsuit.

Microsoft shares rose 44 cents to $70.78 on Nasdaq, and shares of AT&T; fell 23 cents to $21.26 on the NYSE.