More Mobile Messaging Patent Disputes?

On the heels of a recent patent suit filed by start-up Good Technologies against rival Research In Motion (RIM), Visto, a provider of wireless messaging services for Handpring's Treo devices, also may have claims against a yet-undisclosed company, according to industry sources.

A Visto spokeswoman declined to comment on the claims, beyond confirming the company was in the process of reviewing its patents.

Potential lawsuits could muddy the waters for the growing mobile messaging market for all the vendors, including RIM, Palm, Good Technologies, Handspring and Visto.

The Good Technologies suit, filed last month, attempts to confirm that the company's technology does not infringe on patents held by RIM, according to a company statement.

"RIM has been vocal about protecting its single mailbox patent," the statement said. "Good does not infringe on RIM's single mailbox patent."

A RIM spokeswoman said the company would not comment on legal matters.