Skype might no longer exist as we know it, thanks to a software licensing lawsuit. And in any event, Skype parent eBay may be forced to ditch Skype as its VoIP provider, potentially openingthe door to Google Voice or another competitor.
The online auction house has filed an SEC filing detailing a dispute with Joltid, from which Skype licenses peer-to-peer software. It’s a fight eBay isn’t sure Skype can win, which will leave Skype without part of its core source code. A loss will force eBay to look elsewhere for VoIP (paging Google) or write its own software.
In a blog post eBay wrote:
"However, such software development may not be successful, may result in loss of functionality or customers even if successful, and will in any event be expensive. If Skype was to lose the right to use the Joltid software as the result of the litigation, and if alternative software was not available, Skype would be severely and adversely affected and the continued operation of Skype's business as currently conducted would likely not be possible."
The issue might also impede eBay's planned Skype IPO for Skype, scheduled for the first half of 2010. The trial is set for June 2010.
Skype is racing to develop replacement code before then. It posted: “Although Skype is confident of its legal position, as with any litigation, there is the possibility of an adverse result if the matter is not resolved through negotiation.”