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Affinity Engines, a social networking service provider, filed a lawsuit against Google on May 25. The suit claims that Google's social network, Orkut, is using a source code that was stolen by an engineer that was previously employed by Affinity.

According to a report that appeared in Wired.com, the lawsuit names Orkut Buyukkokten, co-founder of Orkut, as the one who stole the source code. Not only is Buyukkokten named as the code thief, Affinity also says that he would not start a competing social service when he left for Google.

Affinity (AEI) claims in the lawsuit they uncovered nine software bugs that are present in Orkut and AEI's inCircle. They believe these similarities indicate that each service uses a common source code.

In a statement to Wired News, David Krane of Google says, "We have repeatedly offered to allow a neutral expert to compare the codes in the two programs and evaluate Affinity's claims, but Affinity has rejected that offer. We have investigated the claims ... thoroughly and concluded that the allegations are without merit."

Affinity is looking to receive punitive and compensatory damages from Google, including royalties from Orkut.

Thanks to Wired News for breaking this story.

Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest search news.