For example, the suit alleges that both Android and Google Music infringe a patent “directed to systems and methods for accessing content in a mobile environment.” Another patent concerns “a navigation system which includes a fixed part and at least one mobile part to provide guidance information to a user,” and is allegedly infringed by Google Maps. British Telecom argues that Google has derived “substantial value from these products and services,” and that it is attempting “to recover the just compensation it is owed and to prevent Google from continuing to benefit from BT’s inventions without authorization.”

The complaint asks the court to grant a judgment against Google for infringement, and an injunction against Google preventing its “continued infringement.” The complaint also asks for damages “no less than a reasonable royalty, together with pre-judgment interest and post-judgment interest,” as well as triple damages due to the fact that Google’s infringement is “willful and deliberate.”

Thus far British Telecom has only filed suit in the US. There is no word on whether they plan to file additional suits elsewhere. Several European courts have shown a tendency to side with patent holders of late. Most notably in the Apple-Samsung battle, where German courts have issued an injunction banning the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1. Apple has thus far failed to get such an injunction in the US, and a similar injunction in Australia was recently overturned.

When asked for comment, a Google spokesperson said, “We believe these claims are groundless and we will vigorously defend ourselves against them.” A request for comment from British Telecom has not yet been answered.

UPDATE: British Telecom has responded, and they have this to say: “BT’s constant investment in innovation has seen it develop a large portfolio of patents which are valuable corporate assets. This is about protecting BT’s investment in its intellectual property rights and innovation. It is a well-considered claim and we believe there is a strong case of infringement.”

[Hat Tip: FOSS Patents]

"Around 10,000 customers will be invited to opt in to the trial when they commence their browsing session. We will issue invitations at random," said British Telecom.

Although the test was supposed to begin in April, this is actually the third such test British Telecom has engaged users in, but the first one they get to participate in voluntarily. According to Digital Trends, BT ran trials in both 2006 and 2007 with the same "Phorm" ad-serving technology they’re currently using.

The whole thing is still apparently being investigated by the European Commission, and privacy buffs are likely still skeptical as well. That is always the case in situations like this though. "The burden is on the Phorms of the world to prove to users and skeptical privacy advocates that they don’t create databases of personally identifiable information that can later be mined for improper purposes," says Search Engine Land’s Greg Sterling.

At least Phorm has enough sense to make privacy appear as a focal point on its website, even featuring a slideshow of "how it works."

The controversy shouldn’t reach epic proportions as long as BT keeps the opt-in factor. It’s unclear if this is just for the tests or if they’re planning it for all users though. They seem to be under the impression that people will want to be involved anyway.