The research business of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is seeking compensation from eleven companies for its "groundbreaking" contributions to the internet economy.

Interval Licensing has filed suit in Seattle over what it claims are infringements on its patents for online shopping technology.

The company, which owns the patents of a computer science and communications research firm closed down by Allen in 2000, have named AOL, eBay, Facebook, Netflix, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples, Yahoo! and Google's YouTube in its complaint.

Facebook has responded, saying that the lawsuit was "without merit." EBay, on the other hand, said it would "vigorously" defend itself.

"This lawsuit against some of America's most innovative companies reflects an unfortunate trend of people trying to compete in the courtroom instead of the marketplace," said Aaron Zamost, a spokesman for Google.

The four patents mentioned in the complaint are primarily common e-commerce applications for displaying and categorising product information. Interval Licensing wants a court order to block further use, in addition to an unspecified amount of cash compensation.