Big names in the software world Microsoft, SAP and Bamboo Solutions are being sued by a software outfit which claims it invented the idea of using modules in a multi-module program. The Virginia company claims that SAP's NetWeaver middleware stack, various Microsoft products and a Microsoft SharePoint project management tool sold by Bamboo Solutions use the method.

The complaint has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia by REC Software USA. REC president Stephen Pickett received a patent for the method in 1998. He claims that Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista and Windows XP also infringe the patent.

REC wants  judgement barring the defendants from infringing on the patent as well as monetary damages. REC does not appear to have a website and was only incorporated in July.