CHICAGO, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. discount Web site Groupon said rival MobGob LLC was infringing on its patent by operating with a similar marketing strategy, court papers said.
Groupon, a Chicago company that operates in 300 cities around the world, presents deals to customers by making use of collective purchasing power, Crain's Chicago Business reported Tuesday.
MobGob offers discounts by first having sellers set a price, then establishing a target for how many buyers are necessary to put the deal into motion.
In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Chicago, Groupon said, "MobGob's infringing activities have damaged and will continue to damage Groupon."
The company is seeking a "reasonable royalty" for past business and for the court to shut down MobGob.
Groupon is also seeking to have MobGob turn over control of its operation to Groupon "for destruction," Crain's reported.
